Ruïnes van gebouwen aan de Hugo de Grootstraat te Rotterdam c. 1940 - 1945

This photograph of building ruins on Hugo de Grootstraat in Rotterdam, by J. Nolte, captures a moment of stark devastation. The scene is rendered in shades of gray, the monochromatic palette emphasizing the destruction. It's like looking at a drawing, a study in tone and texture. The photograph is deeply material, revealing layers of debris, crumbled brick, and shattered structures. It seems like the artist’s interest lies in revealing the tactile nature of destruction. Look at the pile of rubble in the center. It’s almost like a chaotic abstract sculpture. This area, with its jumble of forms, anchors the composition, and our gaze keeps returning there. The photograph reminds me of the work of Anselm Kiefer, whose monumental paintings and sculptures also deal with themes of history and destruction. Both artists embrace ambiguity and multiple interpretations, inviting us to contemplate the complexities of the past and present.