Treinwagons bij de suikerfabriek van de suikeronderneming Nieuw Tersana, Cheribon, voormalig Nederlands-Indië c. 1890 - 1935

This black and white photograph shows us train wagons at the sugar factory of the sugar company Nieuw Tersana, Cheribon, in the former Dutch East Indies, captured by Onnes Kurkdjian. I see it and I imagine the photographer trying to capture the vastness of the industrial landscape juxtaposed with the organic shapes of the vegetation. Looking at this image, I can feel the weight of the train, the steam in the air, and the stillness of the water. The texture of the foliage, the rough surface of the buildings, and the sharp edges of the wagons create a compelling contrast. I wonder what Kurkdjian was thinking when he framed this shot? Was he interested in documenting the industrial progress of the region, or was he drawn to the beauty of the landscape despite the presence of human intervention? This photograph, like so many others, becomes part of a larger visual conversation that spans across time and cultures. As viewers, we bring our own perspectives and experiences to the work, enriching its meaning and allowing for endless interpretations.