Verkleed gezelschap poseert in een tuin 1908 - 1910

This photograph, by Augusta Curiel, captures a dressed-up group posing in a garden, and it’s like stumbling upon a secret theatre troupe. The monochromatic palette lends a timeless quality, focusing our attention on the textures of the fabrics and the expressions of the characters. What strikes me is the composition: the way the figures are arranged feels so deliberate, almost like a stage set. It's like Curiel is capturing a moment of spontaneous play, and yet there's something inherently performative about it too. Look at the details, the way the light catches the folds of a gown. It's about documenting a community and inviting us to ponder the stories behind each costume. Think of someone like James Van Der Zee, another photographer who documented the Black experience. Both artists used photography to construct narratives of identity and belonging. Ultimately, it’s a reminder that art thrives on the beauty of human connection.