Spervuur met mitrailleur(s) bij avond of nacht c. 1930

Editor: Here we have E. Widmer’s gelatin silver print, "Spervuur met mitrailleur(s) bij avond of nacht," which translates to something like "Barrage with machine gun(s) by night or evening," made around 1930. It strikes me as incredibly dynamic, capturing something violent with delicate lines of light. What do you make of it? Curator: Indeed, its dynamism emerges directly from the formal interplay between the sharp, almost geometric lines of light and the contrasting, almost blurry darkness that envelops them. Consider how the lines themselves cut across the composition; do they lead the eye to a specific point, or does the pattern disrupt a conventional reading of perspective? Editor: I think it's definitely disruptive. The lines crisscross and intersect, creating this chaotic yet structured visual field. It almost flattens the perspective. Curator: Precisely. We might say that Widmer manipulates perspective to foreground the materiality of the medium. The grain of the print becomes pronounced in the darker areas, reminding us that we are engaging with an object, not just an image. Observe also the contrast between the stark white lines and the deep blacks, and ask yourself, how does this intense contrast contribute to the overall effect? Editor: It emphasizes the fleeting nature of light, right? Like capturing a moment in time. The darks really make the light pop, almost as if those beams of light are the main focus. Curator: An excellent observation. The artist makes an object using contrasting tones that work together harmoniously to create depth and to convey motion. How has analyzing the form helped clarify the artist’s purpose? Editor: It’s made me see beyond the initial shock of the image, appreciate the thoughtful control behind what I initially saw as violent. It is so cool to consider how even the choice of printing technique contributes to the meaning! Curator: Indeed. It shows us how a careful consideration of form allows us access into new appreciation, beyond mere visual representation.