Pagina 124 en 125 van fotoboek van de Algemeene Vereeniging van Rubberplanters ter Oostkust van Sumatra (A.V.R.O.S.) c. 1924 - 1925

J.W. Meyster made this photograph, a page from a photo book of the Algemeene Vereeniging van Rubberplanters, probably with a large format camera. The monochrome palette gives it an austere quality, and the subject matter is pretty regimented. This kind of photography is an interesting process - it's about controlling an image and controlling a space. Look at the texture here, that mass of plants, how the leaves push up against each other. The density of the plants gives the image a strong sense of depth, but the composition overall feels quite flat, almost like a wall of vegetation. Our gaze is blocked, we're not allowed into that space. I am reminded of the paintings of Agnes Martin, who also explored the theme of repetition and order. Both artists leave us with a sense of quiet contemplation. It's a reminder that art isn't always about complexity, sometimes it's about finding beauty in simplicity.