Koreaanse vrouwen in nationaal kostuum 1950 - 1951

This small photograph shows two Korean women in national costume, taken by David Ketel. The way the bright colors of their dresses pop against the muted landscape in the background, gives a feeling that the photo is a kind of collage. Looking at the surface of the photograph, I notice the way the light catches on the fabric of their dresses. It's almost as if Ketel is more interested in the texture and color of the clothing than in capturing a perfect likeness of the women. There's a beautiful tension created by the contrast between the smooth, almost glossy finish of the photo and the rough texture of the landscape. I'm reminded of the work of David Hockney. Both artists share a similar interest in the way color and light can be used to create a sense of depth and space. Ultimately, this photograph, like all great art, is less about what it depicts and more about how it makes us feel.