“Blast Furnaces” is a series of gelatin silver print photographs created by Bernd and Hilla Becher between 1969 and 1995. This artwork, which belongs to the Conceptual Art movement, explores the architectural genre through an extensive and methodical examination of industrial structures, specifically blast furnaces. The work exemplifies the Bechers’ dedication to documenting and preserving the industrial landscape, presenting each furnace in rigorous typological series that highlight the formal beauty and diversity of these utilitarian edifices.
The artwork consists of a grid-like array of monochrome photographs, each capturing a distinct blast furnace in sharp, objective detail. The images are framed uniformly, emphasizing the Bechers’ meticulous approach and underscoring the visual and structural similarities and differences among the furnaces. The consistent angle and lighting in the photographs contribute to a systematic and analytical reading of the subject, inviting viewers to consider the functional aesthetics and historical significance of these industrial giants. Through their precise and disciplined visual documentation, Bernd and Hilla Becher elevate the ordinary and often overlooked remnants of industrial heritage into objects of contemplation and appreciation.
