Matrozen en huizen 1941 - 1945

This album page, titled “Matrozen en huizen,” or "Sailors and Houses," is a collection of vernacular photographs assembled by an anonymous creator. The images offer a glimpse into the intimate lives of people, places, and memories. At first glance, it seems we have a window into everyday life, perhaps in a maritime community. Yet, let’s consider the cultural and societal role that sailors played. Traditionally, sailors represent masculinity, adventure, and the crossing of borders. But here, the sailor is domesticated, sitting at a table, possibly in his own home. The surrounding images of houses, typically coded as feminine spaces, add to this tension. Does this layout challenge conventional gender roles? Or does it reinforce the notion of sailors returning to safe harbor? Perhaps the album creator uses these images to explore themes of identity, belonging, and the negotiation between public and private life. The collection of images feels like a personal narrative, inviting us to consider the complexities of identity.