Vakwerkwandbrug Possibly 1937

This photograph shows a large metal structure, a ‘Vakwerkwandbrug’ or ‘truss wall bridge’, and was produced by an anonymous photographer. The image gives us insight into the industrial activities of the Machinefabriek Braat in Soerabaia, now Surabaya, Indonesia. The presence of the worker on the bridge gives us a sense of scale. The heavy metal construction highlights the technical achievements and industrial capabilities of the company. Considering the location, this photograph speaks to the global circulation of industrial technology and engineering expertise. It hints at the colonial networks that facilitated such exchanges. Images such as this can be analyzed alongside archival documents, company records, and engineering drawings. These can provide valuable context, allowing us to understand the relationship between industrial production, colonial economies, and technological innovation. It reminds us that the meaning and significance of art and images are always embedded in complex social and institutional contexts.