Chinese contractarbeiders sorteren tabaksbladeren in een fermenteerschuur, Sumatra c. 1900 - 1915

This photograph, taken by Carl J. Kleingrothe, shows Chinese contract workers sorting tobacco leaves in a fermentation shed in Sumatra. The monochrome palette, ranging from deep blacks to soft greys, creates an atmosphere of stark realism, while the meticulous details are carefully delineated. Look at the way the repetitive patterns of the workers and the architectural structure of the building create a sense of rhythm. The texture of the tobacco leaves contrasts with the smooth surfaces of the wooden platforms, grounding the whole composition. The perspective draws us into the depth of the shed, where rows of workers are sorting leaves. Each figure is a focal point, their individual actions weaving into the collective scene. This image reminds me a little of the paintings of Adolph Menzel, who used a similar palette to create powerful and moving social commentaries. The power of photography, like painting, lies in its ability to capture and question our view of the world.