Vlakken met perziken en amandelbloesem before 1897

Editor: This is a fascinating image entitled "Vlakken met perziken en amandelbloesem," dating from before 1897. It's a print and photographic piece that evokes, to me, an almost scientific illustration. What catches your eye about it? Curator: For me, it's the material collision that truly speaks. We have this composite image, blurring photography and printmaking. What labor was involved in setting up these shots? Were these individual plates pieced together deliberately? That's the really juicy question. It is about Japanisme after all... the art of capturing and commodifying a moment, wasn’t it? Editor: That’s a really interesting point, thinking about it in terms of the labour. I suppose I was stuck on the style… Curator: Exactly! Notice how the 'landscape' classification clashes with the obvious studio manipulation and collage aesthetic of Japonisme. This challenges the perceived authenticity or directness associated with the genre and with photography itself. And in what ways is this consumption driven by class and trade? How might class affect someone's art of photograph prints in comparison to paint? Editor: I didn't think about that... You’ve completely shifted my understanding. I was so focused on the "what" and not the "how" and "why." Curator: And what new questions does that approach open up? Editor: It makes me think about what processes are being used... what tools and materials... What does the photograph look like from different people's perspectives? It goes way deeper than what it looks like at face value. Curator: Absolutely. By focusing on the material conditions and processes of creation, we can unpack hidden narratives within this artwork. Editor: I see the image differently now; it makes me curious to delve more into the labor that it conceals! Thank you.