Statement:

Portraiture is a timeless form of photography, introduced very early in the history of the medium, whereas abandoned buildings and urban exploration have more recently become of interest to photographers. When I first visited an abandoned insane asylum in 2012, I was mesmerized by how many objects were left behind, even though the hospital had shut down over ten years ago. There was a haunting human presence and macabre beauty about the way time had affected this place. This fueled my interest in the effects that time has on the people, places, and things around me and I became captivated by the smallest details in decay.

 

These abandoned and dilapidated buildings are all around us, yet we often overlook them. The small details within these structures are the most interesting—chipping paint, rotting wood, and broken glass create beautiful textures and shapes that almost seem tangible. Similarly, the small imperfections of human beings that are fashioned by time are unusually remarkable, like cracks in dry skin, wrinkles in aged faces, and blemishes brought about by various occurrences. With rich details, a viewer can be reminded of the effects of time in their own lives. By comparing these flaws, one can see the similarities that humans have with their environments.

 

While photographing for this series, I was able to thoroughly analyze the passing of time. I see my subjects fairly often, so until I began this series, I had not paid much attention to the way time had been affecting them. Once I started paying close attention to things like the details on their skin and the way time was influencing their lives, I was given new insight to the way time affects us all.

 

As humans, we often look negatively upon the effects of time, as it brings about decay and death. However, there is a magnificent beauty in this corrosion. Even after being weathered, these buildings still stand and the striking details are evident, just as humans are able to survive through every chapter of their lives. It is undeniable that time affects everyone, but rather than dread its inevitability, we should appreciate time and the beauty it creates all around us.