Molen voor suikerfabriek Possibly 1929

This photograph, "Molen voor suikerfabriek," captures a sugar factory mill, and was snapped by an anonymous artist. I can imagine the photographer, probably commissioned, setting up their camera in the factory. They're not trying to beautify the scene or inject drama. Instead, they are embracing a kind of matter-of-factness, letting the mechanics and industrial architecture speak for themselves. The black and white tones emphasize the textures of the metal and the starkness of the industrial setting. It's like the photographer is saying, "Here it is, plain and simple," but in that simplicity, there's a beauty and a story about human ingenuity and labor. You can feel the weight and the scale of the equipment. It reminds us of the early days of industrial photography when artists were fascinated by machines and their potential. There is a conversation happening with people like Bernd and Hilla Becher who also found beauty in industrial structures. It makes you think about progress, industry, and the silent, steady march of time.