Liberaal Internationaal Congres Possibly 1948

This black and white photograph of a Liberal International Congress was taken by fotopersbureau Lindeman. The shades of gray that form the composition feel so matter-of-fact, an index of reality. And yet there's also an undeniable painterly quality to the piece. I find myself drawn to the tapestry behind the subjects: the subtle shifts in tone create a sense of depth and texture, almost like an abstract painting. Then there's the grand fireplace that looms above, adorned with what appears to be a maritime scene. It’s like the photographer is in conversation with these different planes of representation: the backdrop, the subjects, the foreground. It asks us: what is real, what is staged? In that sense, this photograph reminds me a bit of Gerhard Richter’s blurry photos; both artists invite us to question the act of seeing. It is art that is open to infinite possibilities, always changing with each viewing.