Jonge vrouw leunend tegen een stenen paal in Nederlands-Indië 1912

This vintage photograph by Onnes Kurkdjian captures a young woman leaning against a stone pillar in what was then called Nederlands-Indië. It’s a world away, and feels like it. I wonder about the process of making this image. It feels so posed, so carefully arranged. The composition is striking, with its strong vertical and horizontal lines creating a sense of stability. The woman's posture, the drape of her traditional clothing, and the weathered texture of the pillar all contribute to the rich visual storytelling. What was it like to be Kurkdjian? What was he hoping to capture in that moment? There's a palpable sense of stillness, like time suspended. And yet, it makes me think of the constant exchange of ideas across time and geography. I feel as though he has a very particular perspective. It makes you wonder how he framed and captured this portrait. Photography, like painting, is a form of expression that embraces ambiguity, allowing us to see the world through another’s eyes. I appreciate that.