Amsterdam (C). Vijzelstraat 1930 - 1960

This is a photograph by Hemo of the Vijzelstraat in Amsterdam, its date unknown. I love the way the tones are handled in this photograph, with the light and shade creating a subtle sense of depth and form. It really invites you to dive into the world! Looking at the image, you can see how Hemo has captured the texture of the buildings, the cobblestones, and the street itself. The way the light reflects off the surfaces creates a feeling of being there, like you could reach out and touch the buildings. I’m particularly drawn to the rhythm of the buildings on the left, which leads the eye into the picture, and creates an image of a place that feels both familiar and distant, like a scene from a dream. Maybe Hemo was looking at the work of Atget, who also captured the poetry of everyday life, and showed us how to find beauty in the most unexpected places. Art isn’t about easy answers, but about asking questions, exploring possibilities, and trusting our own instincts.