Control Room c. 1949

William Terrell's photograph, "Control Room," captures a scene suggestive of mid-century technological promise tinged with apprehension. The men inside, bathed in artificial light, are framed by an architecture reminiscent of a watchful eye. This recalls the "all-seeing eye" motif, an ancient symbol of divine omniscience. Historically, it's seen in Egyptian art and later adopted in various cultures to signify surveillance and power. Here, the modern control room serves as a secular temple of observation, with men acting as priests monitoring the unknown. But what are they watching? The blackness outside presses against the glass, creating a sense of isolation. This creates a powerful psychological tension. The architectural structure becomes a protective yet confining membrane between order and chaos, reflecting humanity's dual desire for progress and security. The image evokes a sense of unease about the unseen forces we seek to control, a theme that continues to resonate in our age of increasing technological dependence.