Opzichter met werknemers c. 1900s - 1910s

This small photograph, "Overseer with Employees," was made by an anonymous photographer. In this photo, a person stands wearing a pith helmet and a suit, towering over the workers who are sitting in front of them, while the surrounding setting appears tropical. I wonder what the photographer was thinking when they took this shot? Did they see themselves as a neutral observer, simply documenting the scene? Looking at the photograph's composition, I am struck by the contrast between the overseer’s formal attire and the workers’ casual clothing. It makes me think about the power dynamics at play here. The act of taking the photograph itself could be an act of creative expression. The photographer composes the shot, chooses the angle, and captures a particular moment in time. In this way, the photograph is not just a document but a constructed image, full of meaning and emotion. It’s just like painting! Each gesture, each decision contributes to the overall effect. It's a conversation across time.