Fundaties molenstation gezien vanaf den kalkoven. (October 1926.) 1926

This photograph of a molenstation foundation was taken in October 1926 by an anonymous photographer. What strikes me is the documentation of its making, the bare bones of something about to be. The monochromatic palette really focuses you on the structure, the texture of the earth, and the play of light and shadow. It's like looking at a drawing, an almost abstract composition of rectangular shapes and linear constructions. See how the photographer captured this view from above, we get a sense of the immense scale of the station's foundations. This perspective is also fascinating as it reminds me of some of the factory photographs taken by Bernd and Hilla Becher. Like the Becher's, the anonymous photographer has managed to capture the stark beauty and quiet drama of industrial architecture. It’s a reminder that the meaning of any artwork resides not just in its appearance, but also in how it helps us to see the world around us with fresh eyes.