Corry Mak van Waay-Zulver op de loopplank van een schip van de Batavier Lijn, Rotterdam 1932

This photograph, taken in Rotterdam by an anonymous artist, shows the precision and uniformity of a marching band. I find myself wondering about the photographer’s motivations. Did they carefully compose the shot? Or did they spontaneously capture the scene? The grey tones create a sense of formality, and make me think of the artist Gerhard Richter who explores memory, history and representation in painting and photography. I imagine the photographer aligning the shot, focusing on the sharp lines of the band. The repetitive forms of the drummers and their instruments create a visual rhythm. It's a bit like when a painter uses repeated brushstrokes to build up a composition. The light and shadow add depth, much like the subtle gradations in a monochrome painting. This image, with its structured yet spontaneous feel, reminds me that artists are always in dialogue, regardless of their medium.