These previously unpublished images were photographed on April 20, 2019 at the Loopgraafbrug Moses Bridge in Halsteren, Netherlands.
A year later the world looks very different.
Flipping the photos around accentuates the strange optical illusion of this unique architecture, conveying the confusion of a world turned upside down.
The photos portray mostly solitary figures crossing the unknown. Upright reflections stare down at their corporeal selves while echoing themes of self reflection, isolation, and shadow.
Within these minimalist images are layers of meaning and history connecting thousands of years of humanity to our present pandemic reality.
The location, Fort de Roovere, is part of a 17th century defensive area called the West Brabant Water Line. This is one of several fortifications the Dutch used to fend off the Spanish in the 80 Year War of independence (1566–1648).
These defenses proved effective for more than 100 years before newer warfare tactics rendered them obsolete.
Today, we are at a pinnacle of innovation, and yet our modern defenses and technology has been largely ineffective at stopping the spread and impact of the COVID-19 virus.
We are all being challenged collectively and individually to look at what is not working in our lives and to make changes to new ways of being.
The bridge, designed by RO & AD Architecten is a much newer addition (2015) to this ancient fortress. From certain angles it appears people are walking through the water as they traverse the almost invisible bridge. Hence the nickname of the Moses Bridge for the way it parts the canal like Moses parting the Red Sea.
This particular biblical reference is oddly fitting for the times.
April is a month of two major religious holidays. Easter, a story of death and rebirth and the salvation of humanity from past sins. And Passover, which honors the exodus from Egypt of which the parting of the Red Sea is one of the most famous miracles.
This last image was posted on April 23, 2019.
In hindsight, the original title was quite prescient,
"The ones we've loved, the one's we've lost".
Today, a silent tribute to the more than 225,000 friends, family, and dear loved ones who have lost their lives to this deadly virus.
