Sloot en weiland c. 1901s

David Vermeulen’s photograph captures a serene landscape of a ditch and meadow. Water, acting as both a divider and a connector, reflects a deeper symbolic meaning. The water motif is deeply rooted in human consciousness, appearing across cultures as a symbol of purification, life, and the subconscious. One might recall the waters of baptism, or the mythological River Styx, marking transitions. The ditch here, acting as a more modest version of these great bodies of water, divides the land, its reflective surface hinting at unseen depths and hidden emotional currents. The image evokes a sense of tranquility, a feeling of being caught in the stillness of a moment. The gentle flow of water mirrors the flow of time and memory, reminding us that even in stillness, movement persists. This recurring symbol, evolving through various contexts, continues to tap into our collective psyche, stirring emotions and memories linked to the primal element of water.