The artwork entitled “Coal Bunkers” created by artists Bernd and Hilla Becher in 1974, is a notable example of gelatin silver print photography. It is entrenched within the Conceptual Art movement and belongs to the genre of architectural photography. The artwork features a methodical presentation of nine distinct coal bunkers, displayed in a grid-like arrangement, offering a meticulous and austere perspective on industrial structures.
In “Coal Bunkers,” the Bechers employ their characteristic approach of systematically capturing utilitarian architecture. Each photograph within the arrangement portrays a different coal bunker, meticulously framed to highlight the structural details and the stark, functional aesthetic of these edifices. The consistent use of black and white film emphasizes the texture and form, devoid of distracting colors, thereby bringing the focus solely on the architectural integrity and industrial design of the coal bunkers. The sequence and uniformity of the images reflect the Bechers’ dedication to documenting and preserving the industrial heritage with a sense of objectivity and precision.
