Rollenpers Possibly 1934 - 1936

This photograph, "Rollenpers," by an anonymous artist, shows a carpet factory, likely captured with a large format camera. The composition is stark, focusing on a row of carpet rolling presses stretching back into the space. This ordered, almost mechanical, arrangement speaks to a process of manufacturing, the industrialization of craft. I'm drawn to the texture of the print; the way the light falls across the surfaces suggests a cool, almost metallic feel. The repeated forms of the machines create a rhythm, a visual echo that resonates with the repetitive work involved in carpet making. The inscription at the base, "Fabrikaat Braat Soerabaja," grounds the image in a specific place and time, adding a layer of historical context. It reminds me of Bernd and Hilla Becher's photographs of industrial structures, capturing the beauty and the strangeness of functional objects. Ultimately, this photograph captures a moment of industrial life, transforming the mundane into something intriguing.