Gezicht op de Willemskade in Surabaya c. 1900 - 1935

This stereoscopic photograph depicts the Willemskade in Surabaya, and was made by Neville Keasberry at an unknown date. The limited grayscale palette and duplicated image create a layered viewing experience, a bit like seeing double or echoing a memory. There's a sense of depth, the eye is drawn into the receding architecture, rows of columns and windows create a rhythm, while the boats in the foreground have a wonderful materiality and texture. The way the light reflects on the water is so nice. The overall effect is one of stillness, despite the suggestion of bustling activity. It’s funny, the doubling of the image makes me think of Hiroshi Sugimoto, who also plays with repetition, though in a very different way. What I love about art is that it’s never just one thing, it’s always in conversation with everything else!