De vrienden van Dolph Kessler in het struikgewas van een bos bij Gainsborough c. 1903 - 1904

This photograph captures Geldolph Adriaan Kessler with his friends in the undergrowth of a forest near Gainsborough. I’m thinking about the physicality of the image and the way the photographer must have worked to create this scene. What was it like to bring all these friends together and find the perfect spot in the bush? It’s interesting how the subdued tones create a sense of mystery and intimacy. I can imagine that, when Geldolph Adriaan Kessler composed the shot, it would have been important to arrange his friends within the depths of the image in a playful manner. There are soft washes and subtle textures that add depth and emotional complexity. It also makes me consider my own work and the conversations I have with other artists. This photo embodies the act of mark-making and its potential for storytelling, reminding me that artists are always in dialogue, drawing inspiration and ideas from one another’s creative endeavors.