Vier leden van de kustwacht tijdens een oefening before 1915

This grainy, anonymous photograph captures four members of the coast guard during an exercise. Its limited palette has the feel of an old memory, like a half-remembered dream. Look closely and you can see how the light delicately illuminates the slick surfaces of their coats, creating a sheen that contrasts with the rough, textured beach. There's a beautiful ambiguity in how the figures interact with their environment, they could almost be emerging from the sea itself. One figure points towards the horizon, his gesture a stark diagonal line in the composition, which adds a sense of urgency and purpose. The photograph is an evocative study in light and shadow, inviting us to ponder the mysteries of the sea and the individuals dedicated to safeguarding its shores, reminiscent of the social documentary work of someone like Lisette Model. It’s a reminder that art isn't always about answers, it's about embracing ambiguity.