Fietsmaken 1940 - 1945

This undated photograph, titled "Fietsmaken," meaning "Fixing Bikes," captures a moment of everyday life. The most striking visual symbol is the act of repair, which is an ancient motif. We see a figure meticulously attending to a bicycle tire. This resonates with the classical themes of labor and care but also alludes to the concept of the "Wheel of Fortune," a symbol of life's unpredictable nature. The bicycle, in this context, becomes a metaphor for navigating the vicissitudes of fate. In earlier art, we see similar symbolism in depictions of blacksmiths and craftsmen, figures who shape their own destinies. The act of mending is a profound gesture of resilience, a defiance against chaos. This echoes through time, resurfacing in different forms, from religious icons to secular emblems of self-reliance. The psychological undercurrent is clear: we are drawn to images of problem-solving as a way of projecting our own desires for control in an ever-changing world. The cyclical nature of the wheel here is not just a mechanical element but a symbol of eternal return, constantly evolving and adapting.