Kashmir, View in Kojji-la Pass c. 1870s

Curator: This is Samuel Bourne's photograph, "Kashmir, View in Kojji-la Pass." Editor: It's quite imposing. The scale is immense, conveyed through stark contrast and strong vertical lines. Curator: Bourne was celebrated for his technical mastery, evident in the sharp focus and tonal range. He captured the sublime power of nature. Editor: The sublime often masked colonial ambitions. Bourne’s images served to map, claim, and exoticize the landscape for British audiences, reinforcing power dynamics. Curator: While I agree that context is key, the composition stands alone. The converging lines draw the eye upward, creating a sense of awe. Editor: Awe, perhaps, but for whom? These images circulated within a system of colonial gaze, impacting how the region and its people were perceived and governed. Curator: The photograph remains a testament to Bourne's artistry. Editor: But let us not forget whose story it tells and at whose expense that story was made.