St. John's Church, Calcutta 1850s

Editor: So, this albumen print is "St. John's Church, Calcutta," taken sometime in the 1850s by Captain R.B. Hill. The rigid lines of the architecture and muted tones give it such a formal, almost austere feel. What do you see in this piece? Curator: The image offers us a powerful glimpse into the visual language of colonialism. Notice the imposing, Neoclassical architecture of the church, which intentionally mimics European styles. In what ways do you think that impacts its meaning within the context of colonial Calcutta? Editor: I guess it's supposed to project power, dominance, a sense of permanence...imposing Western values. Curator: Exactly. Consider also who this church served. Was it primarily for the British elite or was there an active mission to convert the local population? What does the photograph omit about the realities of life for Indians during this time? Editor: Right, it’s silent on the perspective and experiences of the local people, like it’s erasing them from the picture...literally and figuratively. Curator: Precisely. Even the seemingly objective eye of the camera becomes a tool of a specific ideology, perpetuating certain power dynamics. By acknowledging these complexities, can photography still contribute towards justice and equality, even when dealing with colonial imagery? Editor: It can, if we approach it critically and consider what is omitted and included. It really puts the image in a totally different light, thinking about it as a power structure being visualized. Curator: Yes. Understanding the visual strategies employed helps us to decode the messages embedded within. Editor: It’s really changed how I’ll look at historical photos now. Curator: Hopefully it will also change the way that you engage with photography from today as well.