Dierentuin en portretten 1864 - 1866

Woodbury & Page created this black and white photograph, titled “Dierentuin en portretten,” in the Dutch East Indies, present-day Indonesia. It is not just a collection of images; it's a visual narrative that brings together exotic landscapes, local people, and colonial figures. This raises questions about power dynamics, representation, and cultural exchange. The composition of this photograph, juxtaposing indigenous people with the colonial presence, speaks volumes about the construction of identity and the gaze of the colonizer. It invites us to consider the perspectives of those photographed. The images carry the weight of complex histories, urging us to reflect on the human stories behind these carefully composed scenes. How do we navigate the space between the aesthetic beauty of the photograph and the historical context of colonialism and its profound impact on individual lives and communities?