Withering Time: On Urban Decay

Withering Time is a photography collection that explores the interplay of texture, light, and shadow in the remnants of what was once a flourishing town in St. Louis. By visiting areas such as Hamilton Heights and Jeff-Vander-Lou, I sought to uncover the rare beauty that lies hidden in neglect and abandonment. These images are not just a reflection of decay but a meditation on the passage of time and its profound effect on the human and environmental landscape.
In black and white, the absence of color sharpens the eye to nuances often overlooked. The grain of crumbling brick, the delicate play of light filtering through shattered windows, and the shadows cast by skeletal remnants of structures take center stage. Without the distraction of color, the textures of decay—rough wood, eroded stone, peeling paint—speak directly to the viewer, inviting them to consider the stories etched into these surfaces. The interplay of light and shadow emphasizes contrasts, turning ruins into compositions that are as poignant as they are stark. The stark black and white palette allows a focus on form and structure, highlighting the delicate balance between chaos and order, neglect and resilience.
Through this collection, I aim to evoke a sense of both loss and wonder. These photographs reveal the fragile intersection between human existence and the relentless force of time, where even the most vibrant places succumb to nature's reclamation. By capturing these moments, I hope to inspire reflection on the fleeting nature of progress and the unassuming beauty that emerges in its aftermath.