S.O. Goenoengsari. Molenstation. 20-8-27. 1927 - 1928

Isken’s photograph, S.O. Goenoengsari, made on August 20, 1927, presents a study in industrial form and function, a symphony of greys and muted tones. The arrangement of machinery speaks to a clear understanding of composition, where each element is deliberately placed to convey depth and scale, creating a dialogue between form and the space it occupies. The photograph presents layers of texture, from the smooth surfaces of the engine housings to the intricate details of the gears, drawing the eye into the machinery's complex anatomy. Look at the large gears dominating the right side of the frame. They are the focal point of the image, where the eye is drawn to these massive structures. The detail of the teeth of the gears suggests the power and complexity of the machinery. This photograph reminds me a little of Bernd and Hilla Becher’s work on industrial structures, but with a more intimate, humanistic touch. The way Isken frames the machinery invites us to consider the interplay of technology and human ingenuity, a conversation that transcends time.