Theefabriek Kertamanah gebouwd door Machinefabriek Braat Soerabaia 1934 1934

This black and white photograph of Theefabriek Kertamanah, a tea factory, was taken in 1934 by an anonymous artist. It gives us a glimpse into the architecture and technology of the time. The photograph is glued into an album and this materiality feels important. Notice how the graininess of the image gives it a tactile quality, almost like charcoal. The stark contrast between light and shadow emphasizes the industrial nature of the factory. The interior is a complex arrangement of beams, machinery, and storage structures, all rendered in meticulous detail. I'm drawn to the repetitive, geometric shapes of the factory's architecture. They create a sense of order and precision, reflecting the mechanization of labor. The photograph reminds me of Bernd and Hilla Becher's photographs of industrial structures, but with a more intimate, documentary feel. It's a powerful image that speaks to the intersection of technology, labor, and art.