Machine 1931 - 1937

This is a photograph of a machine, made at an unknown date by an anonymous artist. Looking at this, I imagine the photographer trying to capture the essence of the machine, its complexity and precision. It’s like they’re trying to understand something about the world, just by looking at the cogs and wheels. It makes me think about how we try to capture a feeling in paint, trying to find a way to make it exist in the world. The photo is so matter-of-fact; it reminds me of the New Objectivity movement in Germany in the 1920s. But even with that straightforward style, there is still room to play. Just like with painting, photography isn't about showing reality, but about seeing, thinking, and experiencing.