Tinmijn 1900 - 1922

This photograph, Tinmijn, was taken by Robert Julius Boers. He probably used a large format camera, maybe even made his own emulsion. It shows the hard labor of mining, a scene witnessed with careful attention. I can imagine Boers setting up his camera, composing the shot, and then waiting for the right moment. It's not just about documentation; it's about capturing the human spirit amidst the industrial landscape. The texture is grainy, full of imperfections, much like life itself. The monochromatic tones add a timeless quality, as if this scene could exist in any era of human endeavor. I think about what Boers wanted to convey and how these images were received back then, and how they resonate now. They remind me of a lot of land art, and other artists who use industry and labor as their subject matter. Ultimately, this image is part of an ongoing conversation, where artists build upon each other’s work. It embraces ambiguity and uncertainty, allowing for multiple interpretations and meaning beyond fixed ideas.