Twee personen in een steeg in Oudaghir, Le Figuig Possibly 1927

This photograph titled ‘Twee personen in een steeg in Oudaghir, Le Figuig’, was taken by A.G.A. van Eelde. The image presents a stark contrast between light and shadow, immediately drawing our eyes to the bright opening at the end of a narrow alleyway. Two figures are silhouetted against this light, positioned slightly off-center, which creates a dynamic asymmetry. The dark, enclosing walls form strong vertical lines that lead the eye towards the vanishing point, emphasizing depth and perspective. The composition invites us to consider the semiotics of light and darkness. Light often symbolizes knowledge, hope, or revelation, while darkness can represent the unknown, the hidden, or even oppression. The figures, caught between these two extremes, might suggest a transition, a journey from one state to another. Van Eelde skillfully uses the formal elements to construct a narrative that is both visually compelling and rich with symbolic potential. This photograph destabilizes the static image, opening it up to multiple interpretations.