Loongwa temple before 1908

Geldolph Adriaan Kessler created this photo of Loongwa Temple sometime in the early 20th century. It’s a gelatin silver print, and what strikes me first is the incredible range of tones he manages to pull from what’s essentially a monochrome palette. Look at the texture in the foreground, that dusty ground – it's almost palpable. Then, see how that texture gives way to the smooth surfaces of the temple in the background? This contrast isn't just about showing us what's there; it's about the act of seeing itself. The way the cyclist is out of focus, how the light catches the edge of the roof, these aren't accidents. This photo reminds me a little of some of Atget's work. Like Atget, Kessler seems to be interested in documenting a changing world, capturing a specific time and place before it disappears. And just like a painting, it’s an incomplete record. It raises more questions than it answers, inviting us to fill in the blanks with our own experiences and imaginations.