Kulu, Spiti; Valley and Snowy Peaks seen from Hamta Pass c. 1867

Curator: This striking image, taken by Samuel Bourne, captures the Kulu and Spiti Valley from Hamta Pass. The absence of human presence is quite striking. Editor: The overwhelming scale! I’m immediately drawn to the almost monochromatic tones and the sheer immensity of the landscape; it evokes a feeling of sublime insignificance. Curator: Bourne, active in the second half of the 19th century, photographed extensively in India. We must consider his work within the context of British colonialism and its impact on the landscape. Editor: The valley itself acts as a powerful symbol of the unknown and the unconquered. The play of light and shadow also emphasizes the harsh conditions that exist here. It is, in a way, a representation of raw power, of something beyond our control. Curator: Precisely! Bourne’s photos, while aesthetically impressive, often served to reinforce colonial narratives of exploration and dominance over the natural world and its inhabitants. Editor: Ultimately, this work reveals the timeless symbolism of nature’s grandeur, even while considering the cultural forces at play during its creation. Curator: It’s a reminder of the complex layers of history and representation inherent in even the most seemingly straightforward landscapes.