Straatgezicht in een heuvelachtig landschap c. 1895 - 1903

This photograph of a street in a hilly landscape was created by Geldolph Adriaan Kessler. Photography, as a mode of production, gains significance when we think about its accessibility and the kind of labor it entails. Unlike painting, which often demands years of training and mastery, photography offers a relatively direct means of capturing and representing the world. In this image, the choice of black and white film impacts the look of the buildings and cobbled street. The tones are muted and even. Consider too, how the act of taking a photograph democratizes image-making, potentially allowing for more diverse perspectives and voices than traditional art forms might. Though access to equipment and resources still plays a role, the relative ease of use and production means photography can offer a powerful tool for documenting and sharing different aspects of social life. Ultimately, this photograph invites us to consider the social implications of different making processes, and how they shape our understanding of the world around us.