Woonhuis 1863 - 1869

This albumen print, “Woonhuis”, or “house” in Dutch, was made by Woodbury & Page in Indonesia. While not made of conventional artistic material, this photograph encapsulates the fusion of art and process. The image's monochromatic tones result from chemical reactions on the paper's surface, revealing a colonial-era residence set amid manicured landscapes. The labor of constructing and maintaining the building and grounds is implied, reflecting a society stratified by class and colonial power. The photograph is a product of industrial chemistry, and its creation involved both skilled artistry in capturing the image, and the labor of producing photographic materials. By focusing on the techniques and labor inherent in its production, we recognize the cultural and social values embedded within. This challenges the separation of fine art photography from the wider world of work and materials.