Twee mannen tussen de sisalplanten c. 1912 - 1913

This is a vintage photograph of two men amidst sisal plants, made through a chemical process involving light-sensitive materials. The very act of photography, especially at this time, intertwines with the industrial and agricultural landscape it depicts. Consider the materiality of sisal itself. Its tough fibres, extracted through labour-intensive processes, were crucial for making rope, twine, and other industrial products. The photograph captures a moment in that chain of production. The men depicted are not simply standing in a field; they are participating in a global network of extraction and manufacturing. The starkness of the image mirrors the often harsh realities of agricultural labour, connecting to broader issues of class and the human cost of industry. By framing sisal production, the photograph bridges the gap between agriculture and industrial manufacturing. It prompts us to reflect on the labour, materials, and social context embedded within seemingly simple images, challenging any perceived hierarchy between art and craft.