Op wacht en in uniform 1935 - 1940

This is an undated photograph album page titled 'Op wacht en in uniform' by an unknown artist. What strikes me first is the repetition of figures in uniform, a grid-like arrangement that feels both ordered and slightly unsettling, like a militaristic dance. The textures in these small, grainy photographs are so tangible: the rough fabric of the uniforms, the stark contrast between the dark figures and the bright, neutral background. I am drawn to the zig-zag pattern on the guard posts; it's such a simple, graphic motif, but it adds a touch of almost playful absurdity to the serious subject matter. It makes me think about the absurdities of war, the way that order and chaos can coexist. This album page reminds me of the work of Gerhard Richter, who also used photography to explore themes of memory, history, and trauma. But where Richter often blurs his images to create a sense of distance and ambiguity, this anonymous artist leaves us with a stark, unvarnished view. Is it a personal memento or a political statement? We are left to wonder.