EIGHTY-SIXED - ARTIST STATEMENT
Eighty-Sixed is a collection of photographs that delves into the haunting beauty of abandoned places, including a former state hospital, a vintage barbershop, and private residences left to deteriorate. These forgotten properties symbolize a loss of identity, family, and time. I often ponder how these buildings became eyesores and were cast aside by society. However, observing and uncovering their stories, I value the life and humanity that once thrived within them.
I photograph these sites at night to emphasize the silence and emptiness that now envelops them. Using artificial light, I illuminate the buildings to showcase the colors, textures, and details hidden in the shadows, revealing the depth and history of each location. To provide context for each image, I researched the historical background of the properties through interviews, newspapers, and records. By merging these narratives with the photographs, I aim to breathe new life into these neglected places and help others appreciate the beauty in decay.