Canecutter in bedrijf 1938

This photograph, Canecutter in Bedrijf, was made by an anonymous artist, and it looks like they used light and shadow to describe the sharp angles of this massive sugar cane milling machine. I like how the artist makes use of the mechanical parts of the machine as compositional tools, building up layer upon layer of detail. Look at the center of the machine and how the letters “MF. BRAAT” appear to be floating on the surface. I love how the artist gives this weight and substance with their rendering of tone and texture, which makes it feel like you could just reach out and touch it. It reminds me a little of Charles Sheeler, especially how he finds abstract compositions in the geometry of industrial forms. Both artists ask us to consider the beauty and complexity of the modern world. And like any good piece of art, this photograph gives us plenty to chew on.