Parade in Berlijn c. 1939 - 1940

This photograph, "Parade in Berlin," made by Associated Press, captures a moment that feels both specific and unsettlingly timeless. The grayscale palette, a mix of stark contrasts and subtle gradations, amplifies the gravity of the scene, it feels almost like it's drained of life. Look at the way the flags ripple. Each fold seems to carry not just wind, but also the weight of ideology and the ripple effect it has. It makes me think about how an image, like a stroke of paint, can set off a chain reaction. The composition is dense, crowded with bodies and symbols that leave little room for escape. It reminds me of some of Gerhard Richter’s blurred images, where the act of looking becomes a process of questioning. This photograph isn’t just about what’s visible; it’s about the stories, the fears, and the uncertainties that linger beneath the surface.