Gezicht op een souk te Fez Possibly 1927

This is a photograph by A.G.A. van Eelde, showing a street scene in Fez. It’s interesting to consider the process of image-making, particularly the ways of seeing it constructs. The photograph is a small, rectangular window onto another world, literally a ‘gezicht’ or ‘sight’ of a souk. The image is rendered in tones of grey, from light highlights to dark shadows, creating depth and texture. Look closely at the way the figures are arranged, some carrying objects on their heads. It's easy to imagine the textures of the fabrics, and the sounds of the bustling market. The clothing of the figures have strong formal similarities to the abstract shapes in a cubist painting. Thinking about other artists, I wonder if someone like Eugène Atget, with his street scenes of Paris, might be a kindred spirit. The beauty of art is that it allows for endless interpretation and reinvention.