S.O. Goenoengsari. Molenbattery met Commandobrug vanuit de crusher gezien. 1 Juni 1927. 1927

This photograph, taken on June 1, 1927, by an anonymous artist, gives us a glimpse into a Molenbattery with Commandobrug seen from the crusher. It's monochrome, a study in greys, capturing the industrial architecture. The lines are sharp, almost architectural in their precision. This photograph feels very process-oriented. You can almost feel the mechanical process taking place. The texture of the metal contrasts with the lighter walls and open ceiling. There is one part of the image, the enormous cog on the left, that dwarfs the other structures in the frame. It feels as if this cog alone is responsible for driving the whole operation. This image reminds me of Bernd and Hilla Becher's work documenting industrial structures. Like the Bechers, the anonymous artist shares an interest in showing us how buildings and factories shape our experience.