Seconded By: John McDermott,
I would like to take you with me on a journey to a distant destination, that of memories. The traces that man has left over time in places that he has definitively abandoned. Let yourself be carried away by this story, our story.
Nature inexorably takes back its rights and gradually destroys what man has built with his hands. The outcome is known in advance.
But while waiting for everything to disappear, I collect, through my photos, the testimony of this past life. They alone will remain and constitute in some way the memory of a bygone time.
My quest led me to improbable places that I wanted to present to you through this series of photos.
Follow my footsteps in civil or religious buildings damaged by time and which man prefers to abandon in favor of modernity and consumerism.
I enter these places in silence and leave without leaving the slightest trace. Only the memories remain trapped forever in the memory card of my camera and…. Through the images that I let you discover.
The New Master of the Place
This immense villa, abandoned for many years, has lost its former glory. Its magnificence has been overtaken by a majestic tree in search of light. The tree is now, undeniably, the sole master of the place. Upon entering this ruined site, I was immediately struck by the power and beauty of this tree, which alone nobly occupied the entire space. It commanded my attention like an undeniable truth. Instinctively, I chose this angle to capture and convey the force of nature.
Tropical Greenhouse
This elegant greenhouse, inspired by “Art Deco” design, lies dormant in the depths of an abandoned botanical garden. It has become an ideal haven for a plant that has found the perfect place to thrive in peace. My exploration within this lush and dense nature proved perilous. But what a reward it was to photograph this architectural treasure from a bygone era, with such delicate aesthetics.
Roman Baths
At the bottom of the valley, far from the city’s hustle and bustle, ancient Roman baths lie peacefully dormant. Only the sound of water breaks the silence of the place. From the outside, the building is modest. But what a surprise it was to discover this centuries-old site so well preserved. The interior colors have withstood the ravages of time, with the azure blue still vividly visible. A small stream of water flows tirelessly, feeding the basin. This is a place that endures, proudly bearing witness to its glorious past.
Open to the Sky
Italy is a region of Europe where earthquakes can be frequent. This large church did not withstand one. Unfortunately, it will never be renovated, despite the scaffolding that has surrounded it for many years. The scaffolding only serves to secure the building. I chose to photograph this church from this viewpoint to highlight the contrast between the clear sky and the ground reclaimed by vegetation. The perspectives draw the viewer’s eye to the back of the church, giving the image an aesthetic depth.
Italian-Style Theater
This theater, in pure Italian style, is gradually deteriorating. It reflects the architecture and rich ornamentation of 19th-century performance halls, a charm no longer found today. Entirely built of wood, it possesses the beauty of bygone edifices but also their fragility. I aimed to capture this photograph to faithfully recreate the vision and feeling of the spectators. From their seats, they had a sweeping view of the stage, as well as the boxes and the rest of the audience. Immersion guaranteed… And let the show begin!
The Angels' Passage
Evidently worn by time, this small palace, hidden in the vegetation, had only a few walls left. As soon as I entered the site, I was struck by its charm and serenity. Nature lived in perfect harmony with the remaining structure. At the end of my visit, I discovered this open-air room. There, I encountered two angels who, like the benevolent guardians of this forgotten place, seemed to invite me to leave.
Grandeur and decadence
From the outside, the building is imposing. However, the visit will be quick, as there seems to be nothing left of the beauty of yesteryear. Yet, as you turn down a corridor, this room seems to have resisted decay. The ceiling is slowly crumbling away, but there are still some strikingly beautiful murals. These almost intact paintings testify to the nobility of the place and its sumptuous past. For me, it was time to immortalize this scene before the building disappears forever.
The children’s dedroom
On the outskirts of a small Italian village, this abandoned villa has been peacefully sleeping for many years. The garden is overgrown, the façade is damaged, and the windows are open to the elements. On the first floor, I discovered this child’s room, which stirred deep emotions in me. The pram stood in the middle of the room as if the residents, leaving in a hurry, had forgotten it there. While taking the photo, I positioned my camera close to the ground to capture the scene as a young child would perceive it.
Like a Mikado
Part of the ceiling lies on the ground, and this is only the beginning. This richly decorated church will not withstand the passage of time and the lack of maintenance for much longer. One often feels a sense of solemnity upon entering such a place. Silence prevails. The floor resembles a giant game of “mikado,” requiring careful steps to position the camera correctly. I have a particular fondness for sites where decay harmoniously coexists with intricate and delicate architecture. From this “paradox” emerges a very unique charm that I wish to share with you through this image.
An air of Angkor
Over time, only the main walls endure, upholding these sumptuous balustraded staircases. The vegetation then finds a fertile ground to grow without any obstacles. Like in the famous temples of Cambodia, trees take over the place, becoming the sole inhabitants of the palace and lending it a subtle aesthetic. Through this photo, I wanted to convey this perception to you.
