Biddende monniken bij een boeddha-beeld before 1895

This photograph, "Biddende monniken bij een boeddha-beeld", by Michel Berthaud, captures a scene of monks in prayer before a Buddha image. Taken at a time of French colonial expansion in Southeast Asia, the image offers a glimpse into the cultural exchanges and power dynamics of the era. Berthaud’s lens frames the monks within a visual narrative, emphasizing their devotion, while also subtly reinforcing the Western gaze upon Eastern spiritual practices. The photograph invites us to reflect on the complexities of representation, spirituality, and cultural encounter. How does the act of photographing alter the experience of prayer? And what role does the photographer play in shaping our understanding of these rituals? It serves as a poignant reminder of the diverse ways in which individuals seek meaning and connection in a rapidly changing world.