Koreaanse kinderen 1952

David Ketel made this photograph titled 'Korean Children'. The image shows a group of Korean children gathered around a Western man in military attire, likely taken during or shortly after the Korean War. The scene is charged with the complexities of post-colonial encounters, particularly in the wake of war. The children, some in traditional clothing, gaze with a mix of curiosity and caution at the soldier, who seems to be the focal point of their attention. In this image, the Western gaze meets the gaze of the East, raising questions about power dynamics, cultural exchange, and representation. Ketel captures a moment of interaction between different worlds, inviting us to reflect on the human connections that persist even amidst conflict and cultural divides. What do you feel when you look at their faces?