Vroom en Dreesman 1940

Editor: This mixed-media collage, "Vroom en Dreesman," made in 1940 by Alie Rondberg-Vrauwdäunt, features gelatin silver prints depicting a cityscape. It's a poignant snapshot of urban life amidst what appears to be devastation. What historical context shapes how we should view this piece? Curator: Indeed. Considering its creation in 1940, this work offers a stark perspective on the societal impact of war. "Vroom en Dreesman" was a department store, likely depicted here before and after destruction, perhaps related to the German invasion of the Netherlands. How does the juxtaposition of images influence your interpretation? Editor: It creates a strong sense of loss and disruption. The contrast between the bustling street and the ruins… it's almost like a before-and-after advertisement for the ravages of war, which feels so unusual. It raises a question; do you think that this piece is trying to elicit some civic memory? Curator: Absolutely. It invites a critical reflection on progress, destruction, and the resilience of communities in the face of political violence. The public role of art here seems to serve as a space to mourn lost places, buildings, and societal infrastructures, while it underscores how a society can be reshaped in wartime. Editor: So it becomes a sort of quiet act of resistance, preserving a memory against forced erasure? Curator: Precisely. This visual language allows us to question whose narratives get preserved and amplified in historical accounts. It reminds us of the politics inherent in image making and memory. Editor: I hadn’t considered it that way before. Thanks, that gives me a lot to reflect on regarding how social memory functions and what gets lost. Curator: And it highlights how a single image, or in this case a collage of images, can speak volumes about cultural trauma.