Leprozenkolonie Danaradja: patiënten 1922

These photographs of the Danaradja leper colony patients are undated and were taken by an anonymous photographer. As historical documents, they offer a glimpse into a painful chapter of medical history, marked by the social isolation and stigmatization of those affected by leprosy. In these images, we see the individuals stripped of their identities, reduced to their medical conditions. The close-up shots invite us to confront the physical manifestations of the disease, but also, hopefully, to question our own biases and fears. These images reflect colonial power dynamics, where the bodies of the colonized are often subjected to intense scrutiny and documentation, while their voices and experiences are marginalized. Consider the gaze of the photographer and the intended audience. These images perpetuate or challenge prevailing stereotypes about disease, race, and otherness? As we reflect on these questions, consider the ethical implications of viewing such images, and the responsibility we have to approach them with empathy and respect.