Javaanse vrouwen maken een rubbertuin schoon. 1900 - 1935

This is a black and white photograph by Neville Keasberry, called "Javaanse vrouwen maken een rubbertuin schoon." The scene shows a group of women, all bent over in what looks like a field or garden, with a supervisor standing behind them. The photograph is very textural – the roughness of the bark of the trees is really emphasized. The contrast between the smooth skin of the workers and the rough texture of the environment feels deliberate. It's almost like the artist is trying to capture the physical experience of the women’s labour. There is a very vertical tree in the center of the image, dividing the composition into two parts and creating a sense of rhythm and repetition. The way the workers are captured, bent over and working, reminds me of Bruegel's paintings of peasants, there's a sense of dignity and respect for labour. I like the way the artist uses the limitations of the medium to create a powerful image, it's a reminder that art isn't always about perfection, it's about capturing a moment and conveying a feeling.