Gravel Plants 2006

Bernd and Hilla Becher created this photographic grid of “Gravel Plants” to document industrial structures that were rapidly disappearing from the landscape. Their work gains significance when viewed in the context of post-war Germany, a time of profound rebuilding and transformation following the devastation of World War II. The Bechers' images, devoid of human presence, invite us to consider the relationship between industrialization, labor, and identity. The gravel plants, functional yet imposing, reflect the labor and resources extracted from the earth. By presenting these structures in a grid, the Bechers draw attention to their similarities and differences, highlighting the impact of industry. They are a reminder of our reliance on natural resources. The Bechers once said that they were “interested in industrial buildings because they seem to be anonymous.” Through their lens, we are asked to consider the legacy of the industrial age and its effects on the environment. We can consider the narratives embedded in the landscape of labor and change.