Voorterrein c. 1902

Tan Tjie Lan captured "Voorterrein" with a camera, preserving a moment where architecture speaks volumes. Observe the buildings, crowned with subtle crosses. Historically, the cross is Christianity's most recognizable symbol, representing sacrifice and salvation. Yet, look closer: the setting, likely in the Dutch East Indies, places these crosses in a colonial context. They become emblems of a dominating power, subtly altering the spiritual narrative. Crosses appear throughout history in countless forms: as simple markers, ornate decorations, and, sometimes, as instruments of power. Consider how the swastika, once a symbol of well-being, was twisted into an emblem of terror. The presence of these crosses, like those of the past and future, evoke a powerful tension, a cultural and psychological layering that invites us to consider the complex interplay of faith, power, and memory.