Padang. Haven 1863 - 1869

Woodbury and Page captured this albumen silver print of Padang. Haven during their travels in the Dutch East Indies. The image invites us to consider the intersection of nature, commerce, and colonial expansion. Padang, a port city in West Sumatra, was a key hub for Dutch trade in the region, particularly in commodities like coffee, textiles, and opium. This photograph encapsulates the Dutch colonial gaze, framing the landscape as both an exotic vista and a site of economic exploitation. The inclusion of warehouses lining the waterfront highlights the transformation of the area from a natural landscape to a commercial port. What does it mean to look at this port and consider its history? Do you see a place of opportunity and connection, or a site of oppression? How can we reconcile these competing narratives and understand the multiple layers of meaning embedded within this photograph?