Groep Jeugdstormers buiten geportretteerd Possibly 1934 - 1935

This small black and white photograph captures a group portrait of Jeugdstormers, the youth movement of the Dutch National Socialist Movement. I wonder what the photographer was thinking when they took this picture. I imagine they were looking for a way to capture the spirit of the group, the energy of youth, and the promise of a bright future. But there’s also a sense of unease, a feeling that something is not quite right. The uniformity of the clothing and the rigid poses create a sense of conformity, while the blank stares of the boys suggest a lack of individuality. It's interesting how such a small object can contain so much history, so much complexity. As artists, we're always in conversation with the past, trying to make sense of the world around us, and hoping to create something that will resonate with others long after we're gone.