Aanleg van de Lawaspoorweg in Suriname 1903 - 1912

Jacob Evert Wesenhagen made this artwork in Suriname; it's called "Construction of the Lawa Railway in Suriname." Looking at this piece, I imagine Wesenhagen out in the field, sketchbook in hand, capturing the essence of the Lawa Railway construction. There’s a real sense of immediacy, like he’s trying to capture a fleeting moment. I wonder about the light he had to work in – the contrast between the brightness of the open sky and the deep shadows within the jungle. The Lawa Railway work feels very physical – I can almost hear the sounds of construction, the shouts of workers, and the clanging of metal. It’s like Wesenhagen wanted to get all of this down on paper. It feels like the conversation painters are always having with each other, across time and space, each one adding their voice to the mix. It makes you think about how artists are always learning from and inspiring each other.