Like Bernd and Hilla Becher, and many European modernist architects, Gerrit Engel was drawn to the functional beauty of Buffalo’s grain elevators. Engel first trained as an architect before taking up photography. His fascination with these industrial buildings was grounded in his understanding of their structure. In other works, Engel brings a similar, straightforward approach to skyscrapers as well as aging landmarks and housing developments in Berlin. Although these buildings are familiar to local Buffalo residents, Engel is particularly skilled at isolating them from the surrounding environment and making visible what is distinguished or poignant about each building and its place in urban history.

Label from Overtime: The Art of Work, March 8–May 17, 2015