Esteban de Viguera, exterior view 1991

This is a photograph by Ursula Schulz-Dornburg showing the exterior of Esteban de Viguera. The photo uses a limited tonal range to create a world that feels both ancient and immediate. I’m struck by the way the structure seems to emerge organically from the rock face, like a geological extrusion. The rough texture of the rock is contrasted with the smooth dome, creating a visual push and pull. The small dark opening in the dome is an interesting detail; it implies an interior space, something concealed and intimate. The longer I look, the more I become aware of the relationship between the built and the natural environment. There’s something about Schulz-Dornburg’s aesthetic that reminds me of Bernd and Hilla Becher, particularly in the way she documents structures. This image invites us to consider how we perceive and interact with the world around us, and embrace the ambiguity inherent in art.