Fonokaart: prentbriefkaart van het Koninklijk Paleis op de Dam, met groeven voor een grammofoonplaat c. 1950 - 1970

This photo postcard shows the Koninklijk Paleis on Dam Square, Amsterdam, and it has grooves for playing it as a record. The anonymous artist gives us a pretty classic urban scene in monochrome. You have to wonder how the city sounded when this postcard was made: there are trams, cars, and people bustling, all captured in shades of gray. But think about the material of the card itself. I wonder if the grooves feel different to the touch than the smooth paper? And the whole thing raises such fascinating questions! Did people buy this postcard to send, or to play at home? What kind of music was on it? It all makes me think of the Fluxus art movement and their playful, experimental approach to artmaking. I think the best art invites you to ask questions rather than providing all the answers.