Machineonderdelen 1931 - 1937

This old photo album, with its silver gelatin print of "Machineonderdelen," really gets me thinking about the poetics of industry. The grayscale tones, so evenly applied, capture these mechanical parts with a sense of quiet, almost meditative observation. Look at how each part is meticulously rendered, showing every curve and edge. The surface of the print seems almost untouched, smooth like glass, but somehow it is also inviting to the touch. What strikes me is the relationship between the white circles at the bottom and the bulkier, darker forms above. There's a kind of dialogue happening, a contrast of textures and forms that suggests both precision and possibility. It's funny, I’m reminded of the clean lines of Bernd and Hilla Becher’s industrial photography, but with a strange twist. It makes you think about the beauty in the mundane, and how even the most functional objects can become subjects of fascination and reflection.