A Mountain Pass in Formosa c. 1868

John Thomson, a Scottish photographer, created this silver print, "A Mountain Pass in Formosa", during his travels in Asia in the late 19th century. Thomson documented landscapes, people, and cultures, often through a colonial lens. This image transports us to Formosa, now Taiwan, during a period of intense cultural exchange and colonial influence. The photograph captures a dense, verdant scene, a place of natural beauty, yet it's impossible to ignore the power dynamics at play. Thomson, as a Western photographer, had the ability to represent and interpret this landscape for a European audience. Consider the complex history of Taiwan and the indigenous populations, whose stories may be overshadowed by this Western gaze. While we appreciate the image's aesthetic qualities, we should also consider the photographer's role in shaping perceptions of foreign lands and people, and reflect on whose stories are told, and whose are left in the shadows.