Theefabriek Kertamanah gebouwd door Machinefabriek Braat Soerabaia 1934 1934

This photograph of the Theefabriek Kertamanah was taken in 1934 by an anonymous artist. I can see this enormous machine standing in the center of the frame. What I love about photos like this is imagining the photographer deciding where to place the camera. What was the right balance? How did they want to frame the scale of this factory? I imagine them pacing around trying to work out the best place for the shot, maybe even using their hands to frame the scene. The black and white tones really emphasize the industrial nature of the scene. I can imagine the photographer trying to find the light, trying to capture the vastness of the space with the small figure of a man who is sitting by the side. I wonder what he is thinking about? I find myself thinking about other artists who have tried to capture the atmosphere of work places like this – maybe the Bechers, or even Sheeler. Photography is a conversation across time, with each artist responding to those that came before.