Spoorbrug Tjisomang in aanbouw Possibly 1932

This photograph shows the construction of the Tjisomang railway bridge. It’s anonymous, which is so interesting to me. I find myself wondering about the person who made this image, about their life, and what they thought as they framed it. Were they interested in the engineering, or more drawn to the landscape? Was this just a job? I ask myself these questions about my own work, too. Photography, like painting, is about process. I feel the artist's presence in the dark and light tones, the crispness of focus, and the framing that captures both the bridge's stark structure and the lushness of the landscape around it. It’s like the bones of an image against its flesh. Looking at other people’s works gives me insight into how I make my own. We’re all in conversation, even across time. It’s not just about the thing itself but the energy and intention behind it.