Een roeischip met lokale bevolking langszij van een stoomschip in Indonesië. 1900 - 1915

This small photograph shows a long rowing boat alongside a steamship in Indonesia, captured by Johanna Hermina Marmelstein. It's made with the kind of sepia tones you get from early photography, giving everything a soft, aged feel. I wonder what it was like for Marmelstein to be there, snapping this scene. The boat itself is packed with people, all facing forward, maybe towards that steamship. You can almost feel the rhythm of the oars, the gentle rocking of the boat, and the excitement of the moment. It's a specific time and place, yet also hints at broader themes of travel and encounter. Thinking about this image, it's like Marmelstein is inviting us to reflect on our own journeys. What does it mean to cross paths with others, to witness a moment in someone else's story? Photography, like painting, can become a deeply personal form of expression. Each artwork contributes to an ongoing conversation, inspiring creativity and offering space for endless interpretations.