Mars, 29 december 1976 Possibly 1976

Editor: This photograph, “Mars, 29 December 1976” by Cary Markerink, is a gelatin silver print, likely from 1976. It feels like a captured moment of quiet resistance, with people holding signs. What do you see in this piece? Curator: I see a potent document of activism, deeply rooted in the socio-political struggles of the 1970s. The subjects appear to be Indigenous people from Suriname, based on context clues such as the handwritten Dutch on their signs, which hints at a postcolonial tension. This image allows us to discuss identity, minority rights, and resistance against oppression. Consider their placement – lined up as a unit – what message does that give off? Editor: It suggests solidarity and a unified front. The signs amplify that message, of course. But what were they fighting for specifically? Curator: The signs read "We want a guaranteed future" and "We are marching for our rights" indicating concerns regarding land rights, cultural preservation, or perhaps even economic justice. Markerink's work provides critical insight into the Surinamese diaspora, highlighting issues of displacement and the fight for self-determination. This invites a discourse surrounding the intersections of race, class, and political power. Does that shift how you read the photograph? Editor: Yes, understanding the Surinamese context really adds depth to what initially seemed like a general protest image. It's much more specific and meaningful now. Curator: Exactly. Through Markerink’s lens, this becomes a visual archive that confronts dominant narratives. It challenges us to acknowledge the lasting impact of colonialism and actively engage with issues of social justice in our own time. Editor: I see it differently now; the quietness isn’t passive, it’s determined. This photograph is so much more than just a picture; it's a piece of history.