Hopi House in de Grand Canyon, Verenigde Staten 1936

This black and white photograph shows the Hopi House in the Grand Canyon, and was taken by Wouter Cool. The image is deeply textural, the rough stonework of the building dominating the scene. The monochromatic palette emphasizes the play of light and shadow, highlighting the uneven surfaces and the building's organic, almost geological, presence. It’s like the building itself grew out of the landscape. Look at the way Cool captures the light as it rakes across the facade. This use of light reminds me of some of the work of Alfred Stieglitz. While Stieglitz focused on the formal qualities of photography, Cool seems more interested in documenting the authenticity of the scene. It is a powerful reminder of art's ability to capture and convey the tangible, visceral qualities of the world around us.