Theodoor Brouwers 1911 - 1915

Augusta Curiel captured this photograph, titled "Theodoor Brouwers," in Paramaribo, Suriname, likely in the early 20th century. The image presents a young boy, formally posed with his toys, reflecting the conventions of studio portraiture at the time. Curiel was a pioneering Afro-Surinamese photographer, and her work challenges the racial and gender norms of her era. Photography during this period was often used to reinforce colonial hierarchies, but Curiel's work offered a more nuanced perspective on Surinamese society, portraying people from various ethnic and social backgrounds. The very act of a Black woman owning and operating a photography studio was a progressive statement. To fully appreciate Curiel's contribution, we need to delve into the archives: local newspapers, census records, and personal accounts to reconstruct the complex social tapestry of Suriname under Dutch rule and consider the ways in which images can either perpetuate or subvert existing power structures.