Palmentuin, Paramaribo 1903 - 1910

Hendrik Doijer made this photographic print of the Palmentuin in Paramaribo sometime between the late 19th and early 20th century. This image is so cool because you can see the whole process; the greyscale tones feel almost like a drawing, and the composition really emphasizes the height of the trees. It’s like Doijer wasn’t just pointing and shooting; he was thinking about how to lead our eye through the space. The texture of the palm fronds, contrasted with the smooth trunks of the trees, gives a sense of depth. It’s not just a flat image; you can almost feel the humidity and the dappled light. I love the way the shadows create these abstract patterns on the ground, breaking up the space and adding a sense of mystery. It reminds me of some of the early modernist photographers who were experimenting with abstraction and playing with light and shadow. This piece invites us to see the world in new ways, finding beauty in the everyday.