An evening on photography | KVVAK @ Huis de Visscher
As part of a series of small-scale gatherings under the title “KVVAK @ Huis de Visscher, Amsterdam”, the interactive lecture “Chinese in Indonesia 1860–1960” will take place on Wednesday evening, 26 November, starting at 7:30 PM.
The lecture, presented by Martin Roos – member of the KVVAK – is based on four colonial photo albums, complemented by a number of remarkable vintage photographs from his private collection. Before, during the intermission, and after the lecture, participants will have the opportunity to view the albums and the selection of framed photographs. The Chinese Indonesian Heritage Center (CIHC) has been invited to contribute insights and perspectives during the session.
While collecting and cataloguing, Martin became fascinated by portraits of Chinese people and their clothing (batik and kebaya), as well as photographs reflecting Chinese influences in the colonial streetscape. The selected images include parades and festivities in Chinese quarters with their distinctive architecture, labor scenes on plantations and in harbors, and infrastructure works such as railway and waterway construction. From these, he created thematic series with their own narrative, form, and content.
The vintage photographs portray Chinese people and their descendants (Peranakans) within the colonial environment — working in batik ateliers, as street vendors, shopkeepers, photographers, moneylenders, or in various service professions. They offer a unique historical perspective on life in the former Dutch East Indies, including mixed-family portraits and glimpses into a vibrant world of theater and music. These images reveal discoveries, evoke emotions and memories, and capture moments of striking beauty.
Please confirm your attendance in advance via secretariaat@kvvak.nl
As seating is limited, you will receive a confirmation upon acceptance.
About the speaker:
Martin Roos was born in Mojokerto, Java. In 1953 he settled in the Netherlands, where he studied pedagogy and andragogy. He subsequently worked as a researcher in mental health care, in education, advertising, and marketing, and later as an entrepreneur in international business.