Gezichten op Urk met de haven 1932 - 1939

Herman Besselaar made this photographic collage, 'Gezichten op Urk met de haven', and what strikes me is the almost cinematic way he's pieced together these views of Urk's harbor. It's like he's inviting us on a journey, not just to look, but to experience. There's something about the monochrome palette that pulls you in – a sense of nostalgia, maybe, or a feeling of being grounded in a specific moment in time. The textures, even in these small prints, are palpable. You can almost smell the sea air and feel the rough wood of the docks. Look at the composition in the bottom left image. The contrast is wonderful, but there's a sense of balance. Besselaar reminds me a bit of Walker Evans, in the way he captures the quiet dignity of everyday life. But there’s also something uniquely Besselaar – an eye for the poetry in the mundane. These images aren’t just documents; they’re invitations to pause, reflect, and see the world a little differently.