Blad 81 uit Stamboek van de leerlingen der Koloniale School voor Meisjes en Vrouwen te 's-Gravenhage deel II (1930-1949) Possibly 1936

This is a page from a ledger, likely made with ink on paper, from the Colonial School for Girls and Women in The Hague. I can imagine the methodical act of the registrar, carefully recording each student's information—a tangible link to the past. As a painter, I think about process, and I find myself sympathizing with the artist/scribe. What were they thinking as they made this record? Do they think about the future lives of these students? It's a strange mix of precision and mystery. The handwritten entries, complete with signatures and small photographic portraits, evoke a sense of intimacy. Each stroke of the pen and placement of photographs embodies the human presence, hinting at individual stories within the broader historical narrative. Looking at each entry and photo is like looking at the work of other artists in a group show: each has its own texture, tone, and style. I wonder about the conversations that might have taken place in the creation of these pages. How did each contribute to the next? This ledger is a testament to our ongoing exchange of ideas across time. It embraces the ambiguity and uncertainty of human expression, allowing for multiple interpretations and meaning.