Vertrek van Rotterdamse kinderen naar de "Ostmark" Possibly 1940 - 1947

This photograph, "Vertrek van Rotterdamse kinderen naar de 'Ostmark'," by Polygoon captures a moment with a remarkable tonal range from dark to light. The greyscale palette creates an atmosphere of stark realism and underlying unease. Look at the hands reaching out from the train windows, a gesture that becomes a focal point. The photograph's surface is matte, which gives it a documentary feel, like a historical record. The composition is dense, mirroring the chaos and emotional weight of the event. The photograph is raw and direct; there is an incredible amount of detail. What strikes me is the photograph’s ability to convey a narrative without sentimentality, inviting us to reflect on the complexities of history. This image reminds me of the work of other photographers who captured life during times of conflict, creating a visual dialogue about humanity's resilience. Art has this incredible way of holding space for multiple truths.