Riemschijven 1937 - 1938

This striking photograph shows a set of flywheels, produced by the Braat Machine Factory in Soerabaja, Indonesia. Flywheels like these were typically made of cast iron or steel, materials that speak to the industrial age and the rise of mass production. The image draws attention to the sheer size and weight of these objects. Think of the labor required to cast, machine, and assemble these components; consider the foundries and workshops where such work took place, and the skilled traditions involved. The photograph offers a glimpse into the world of industrial manufacturing, highlighting the relationship between human effort and mechanical production. It prompts us to consider the social and economic context in which these flywheels were made, inviting us to look beyond aesthetics and recognize the significance of materials, making, and context in understanding the full meaning of the artwork, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.