Liz Wallace / Arkansas River Cliffs From Tomas van Houtryve: Lines and Lineage © Radius Books

By Saige Buffington

Tomas van Houtryve’s’ book Lines and Lineage transports us to areas within the Midwest where explorer Francisco Vazquez de Coronado landed during his expedition in 1540. The images shown within this book give the viewer a glimpse of the Hispanic community and the desire to enter the United States for freedom, and the aftermath of their settlement within the United States.

Patrick Garcia / East River From Tomas van Houtryve: Lines and Lineage © Radius Books

The images Houtryve’s captured are hauntingly beautiful, using technique within the development stage to create warped images of the people and places that helped shape the Midwest and gave light to the Hispanic community within the early history of the United States. While the images are beautiful and unique in telling its story, I wish there was more of an introduction about what the project is as a whole, a brief history of the land, of Coronado’s expedition within the States, and important events that helped shape the community.

The technique of film photography, however, brings a realness to these images, they are raw, unapologetic in their subject matter, and devastatingly beautiful.

There is a mix of elements Houtryve’s captures, aside from the people and the land surrounding them, he captures architecture in Los Angeles, borders around Alta California, and various rivers and paths mapped between 1603-1776.

Medicine Bow Peak / Ralph Peters III From Tomas van Houtryve: Lines and Lineage © Radius Books

The people within the series show more than their culture, they tell of their religion, of their ancestors who traveled on foot to new lands, of war generals held hostage, and of families of first-generation business owners within the 19th century. The images hold stories, they hold a history that runs deep within their blood, history that they are proud of. The men, women, children, and families who fought for a better future for them, who wanted and continue to stay true to their culture, hold a power that radiates love, respect, and pride for who they are and where they came from.

For more information about Tomas van Houtryve’s book Lines and Lineage, click here.