English Mineheads 1973

Bernd and Hilla Becher made these photographs of English Mineheads to document and preserve these industrial structures. They remind me of architectural drawings or even musical scores, and each form echoes another. The Bechers' commitment to documenting these structures with such clarity transforms what could be seen as mundane into something monumental. Each photograph is like a study of line and form, a celebration of the stark geometry of these industrial relics. The repetitive nature of the grid is kind of hypnotic too, right? It makes you think about the relationship between humans and industry, and the impact of time on these once-vital structures. It’s like they’re having a conversation with artists like Sol LeWitt, who was also interested in repetition and seriality. Ultimately, it’s a reminder that art can be found in the most unexpected places, blurring the lines between documentation and artistic expression.