Badgelegenheid met galerij, mogelijk in Surabaya 1912

Curator: Standing before us, we have a gelatin-silver print from 1912, taken by Onnes Kurkdjian, entitled “Badgelegenheid met galerij, mogelijk in Surabaya"—roughly, "Bathing place with gallery, possibly in Surabaya." Editor: My first impression is of tranquil order. The cool tones of the photograph cast a spell, making me think about stillness, the reflective capacity of water… and the idea of escape, a pause. Curator: I see exactly what you mean. The structure, which frames the pond, seems imbued with this almost ritualistic quality. Notice the stairs leading into the water and the symmetry that structures this photo. Perhaps bathing here was less about hygiene and more a ceremonial immersion. Editor: Yes, absolutely! Water is often used in purification rituals across many cultures. The composition itself almost directs the eye downward, toward this transformative element. Light dances across the surface of the water—it’s as if this space exists to bridge the earthly with something more spiritual, you know? The artist uses framing that enhances this sentiment: we're watching an Edenic tableau! Curator: Fascinating interpretation. The columns and arched windows certainly impart a temple-like aspect, though the function remains intriguingly ambiguous, given the photograph's descriptive yet cautious title. But tell me, why do you think it would be so fascinating for the artist to catch this Asian art form? What were the cultural memory and feelings it triggered? Editor: These structures served as safe public pools at a time when private bathing facilities were not ubiquitous. They acted as social, cultural, and egalitarian spaces where individuals from different socioeconomic backgrounds could freely participate in activities such as swimming. They also mirrored societal aspirations for hygienic standards in urban development. This place must have held all sorts of communal weight... it reminds me that even mundane settings hold so many stories of a time. Curator: Yes, like windows to parallel existences. Each photo has its tale to tell. This one has shown a beautiful oasis of serenity... and it brings back lost connections that invite reflection! Editor: Precisely—the emotional depth these images elicit is profoundly tied to an exploration of memories. In the end, it invites a reflection on impermanence, beauty, and the human touch.