Fabrieksgebouw met machine 1931 - 1937

This photograph, of a ‘Fabrieksgebouw met machine,’ which translates as ‘Factory Building with Machine’, was taken by an anonymous artist, and its date is unknown. It’s interesting how the artist hasn’t tried to pretty anything up. The texture in this photograph is created through the use of light and shadow. The stark contrast between the dark machinery and the bright windows gives the photograph a sense of depth and dimension. The surface appears smooth, and this enhances the industrial feel of the image. The artist has used these elements to shape our emotional experience of the artwork, creating a sense of awe and unease. The way the light glances off the window frames is so satisfying. It reminds me of the work of Bernd and Hilla Becher, who photographed industrial structures in a similarly detached and objective way. Art, as they say, is an ongoing conversation. It’s all about exchange of ideas across time, embracing ambiguity and multiple interpretations.