Wehrmacht installeert uitkijkpost Possibly 1940 - 1946

Editor: We’re looking at a photograph titled *Wehrmacht installeert uitkijkpost,* which roughly translates to “Wehrmacht installs observation post.” It's from somewhere between 1940 and 1946, and it’s here at the Rijksmuseum. What strikes me is this sort of… claustrophobic feeling? The water, the circular structure… it’s disorienting. What do you see in it? Curator: It whispers to me, you know? This photograph. There's a brutal elegance in its simplicity. The texture of the concrete, the cool water, these sharp contrasts create an echo of vulnerability inside seeming solidity. These young men in uniform become anonymous figures caught in something vast. Doesn’t the reflective quality in the water make it look more like a portal to something dark? Do you see it too? A dark premonition reflected within? Editor: A portal... I can see that, like a reflection of what's to come. The men are setting up their post, so what comes is an attack. The light on them must be artificial. I suppose that darkness emphasizes the anticipation. I would assume the water had a cooling effect? Curator: Perhaps, or, you are assuming what water offers without feeling it's symbolism, dear heart? Doesn’t it represent boundaries, limits and unknown paths we cannot perceive? So the question becomes is it really water? How would you change the way someone felt of the painting if the water was hot rather than cold? Editor: Good question, Curator, this conversation just created new ways of thinking about art. This has helped me develop an idea for my final paper! Curator: See the light. Now spread the beauty of words to all and capture our humanity within them!