Gezicht op de Sint-Antonius Abtkerk te Mook 1906

This photograph of the Sint-Antonius Abtkerk in Mook by an anonymous photographer reminds me of how marks and colours can shape our sense of place. It's got this warm, sepia tone that feels both nostalgic and immediate. The way the light catches the church's facade and the adjacent building, you can almost feel the sun’s warmth. Look at the brickwork. The subtle tonal shifts and the way the light glances across the surface makes you feel the texture of the brick. The contrast is soft. The anonymous photographer seems more interested in the play of light and form. The church looms large in the frame, yet it is partially obscured by the adjacent building, making the viewer feel like they are discovering it, bit by bit. This play of light and shadow and emphasis on form brings to mind the architectural photography of Bernd and Hilla Becher. It’s a reminder that art is an ongoing conversation and exchange of ideas across time.