Jeugdkamp c. 1920 - 1940

This photograph, Jeugdkamp, was made by an anonymous artist, the dimensions are quite small, just nine by fourteen centimeters. It’s a monochrome world, rendered in tones of sepia, where the stark contrast between light and shadow really flattens the picture out. The photo shows a youth camp – a group portrait, and that tent behind them really sets the tone. It’s like a stage, and these kids are the players. Everything is so meticulously arranged. There is an incredible stillness to the work, despite what must have been a flurry of activity around it. You know, looking at this, I'm reminded of other artists who worked with monochrome photography, people like Alfred Stieglitz. There is something universal and strangely timeless in their work, a conversation that spans generations. But of course, as with all art, it’s open to our interpretation, our own stories and experiences.