South Hall, Administration Building en North Hall van Iowa State Normal School, Cedar Falls 1890 - 1910

This is a photograph of South Hall, Administration Building, and North Hall of Iowa State Normal School in Cedar Falls by Veatch, printed on fabric. The scene is rendered in a stark, monochrome palette, dominated by shades of blue that evoke a sense of distance. The texture of the fabric acts as a canvas that softens the image, giving it a tactile quality that contrasts with the sharp architectural lines. The composition invites us to consider the relationship between the structures and their symbolic presence. The buildings are presented frontally, which creates a visual hierarchy that reinforces their importance. The inclusion of cannons in the foreground disrupts the sense of tranquility, suggesting a dialogue between power and education. How do these objects frame our perception of the educational environment? This photograph on fabric functions as a cultural artifact, challenging us to interpret its signs and symbols. The combination of architectural representation with unconventional materials opens up questions about permanence, memory, and the narratives we construct around our institutions.