Luchthaven Schiphol, gezien vanuit de lucht c. 1940s

Here we have an aerial view of Luchthaven Schiphol, now at the Rijksmuseum, created with photography. Isn't it wild how a seemingly straightforward image can open up so many imaginative pathways? I see all these little architectural forms and a flat landscape—it makes me think about the artist's perspective, both literally and metaphorically. When they made it, were they thinking about the act of observing, documenting, or maybe even critiquing the infrastructure of modern life? Maybe they were thinking about making something beautiful out of something functional? I’m struck by the black and white image. This creates a timeless quality, while also making the forms stark and geometric. This isn't just a picture of an airport; it's a study of how we organize and control space. Just like a painter uses a canvas, here they’ve used a camera to explore the shapes and textures of the world. Photography, like painting, is about light, shadow, and how we see.