De kerk van Raamsdonksveer 1941

This small black and white photograph called, “De kerk van Raamsdonksveer,” captures a landscape on what seems like a gray day. The artist is unknown, but the way they framed this scene makes me think about the act of looking. The composition is divided; there is a body of water and foliage in the foreground with a large church rising up in the background. A few barren trees fill the negative space, and guide the viewer's eye to the impressive gothic architecture. What is interesting, is the contrast between the imposing church in the background and the more humble and overgrown scene in the foreground. The landscape almost obscures the church, as if nature is reclaiming the scene. This photograph reminds me of the work of Bernd and Hilla Becher; there is a similar interest in everyday architecture and the passage of time. What I love about art is that it can be so many things at once! This photograph is about a church, but it is also about how we see, what we value, and what we leave behind.