Lower Harbour, Amoy 1869

This photograph of Lower Harbour, Amoy, was taken by John Thomson, capturing a moment in 19th-century China. Dominating the scene, the ships in the harbor signify connection and commerce, yet also hint at the complexities of colonial expansion. These vessels are modern iterations of what I would call the ‘ship of fools’ motif, seen throughout history. Take, for instance, Hieronymus Bosch's allegory, where the ship is a symbol of human folly. The visual language of ships has evolved. Initially, ships represented pilgrimage and spiritual journeys, but later, during the age of exploration, they came to symbolize power, trade, and sometimes, exploitation. They are a constant reminder of humanity's relentless pursuit of progress and its often-contradictory consequences. How can one truly express the emotional weight of the sea? The sea is, as it has always been, a powerful force engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. Observe how this symbol has resurfaced, evolved, and taken on new meanings in different historical contexts.