Zuiderzeewerken: Haven Oude Zeug 4 mei 1928 Possibly 1928

This photograph titled 'Zuiderzeewerken: Haven Oude Zeug 4 mei 1928' was made by Fototechnische Dienst K.L.M. Looking at the textural contrasts in this harbor scene, I'm struck by the tension between the solid, man-made breakwaters and the fluid, shimmering sea. The tones, ranging from deep blacks to soft grays, create a mood of quiet reflection. It makes you wonder about the stories these boats could tell. I'm drawn to the way the light catches the water, making it seem almost alive. The composition has this cool balance between the geometric shapes of the harbor and the more organic forms of the boats. There is a single boat in the center of the harbor, it’s dark against the water and acts like a keystone, holding the composition together. There's a clear link to Bernd and Hilla Becher’s typologies. Much like their work, the image has an objectivity that invites us to contemplate the beauty and functionality of these industrial structures.