Rotapompen 1937 - 1938

This photograph titled, ‘Rotapompen,’ from an anonymous artist, captures a moment in time with what looks like a few pumping machines and a boy standing in the background. I love that the date of this piece is unknown because it asks more questions than it answers. Looking at this piece, I’m drawn to the texture and the way the light captures the grittiness of the machines. There’s a stark contrast between the smoothness of the floor and the rough texture of the machinery. The gears, especially, look worn and solid, with hints of grease and use. If you look closely at the body of the machines, you can almost feel the coolness of the metal! The marks and signs on the plaque add a layer of depth, hinting at the history of the machinery itself. The play of light and shadow here reminds me of early industrial photography, like the work of the Bechers. There’s a similar attention to detail, and an embrace of ambiguity over definitive meaning.