2 kinderen van een Chineesche vader en een Karo-Bataksche moeder: ... Chineesche stand der oogen maar het grove Karo-Bataksche hoofd. 1929

This photo of two children was taken in 1929 by the Hospitaal Batak Instituut. It's a black and white image, and it's interesting to think about the choices that were made in terms of composition and lighting, and how those choices affect the way we see these kids. The surface of the photograph has a matte finish, with soft contrasts. Looking closely, you can see the subtle texture of the paper, which gives the image a tactile quality. The light is diffused, creating a sense of intimacy and closeness with the subjects. Notice the way their bodies are positioned in relation to each other, there's a kind of vulnerability in their postures. It reminds me of some of August Sander’s portraiture, not necessarily in terms of style, but in its attempt to document a particular time and place. It's a reminder that art is always in conversation with what came before.