Urban Decay - Black and White

I find the idea and processes of urban decay to be fascinating. The term decay implies the breakdown of something organic, and beyond the built form... more

by Kaleidoscopik Photography

Title

Urban Decay - Black and White

Artist

Kaleidoscopik Photography

Medium

Photograph - Digital Photography

Description

I find the idea and processes of urban decay to be fascinating. The term decay implies the breakdown of something organic, and beyond the built form the urban fabric of a society, city, neighbourhood is ultimately organic. Urban decay may occur for any number of reasons, a failing economy, change in demographics and class, social stigma etc. But its effects on the physical and social realm of the urban scape are hugely varying and I find them to be hauntingly beautiful.

This particular peeling facade belongs to a medium density three storey apartment block in the inner suburbs of Kosice, Slovakia in Eastern Europe. The once communist system gave a degree of protection to its state owned industries. The many advantages of the capitalist and democratic systems since communist fell away in the early 1990's exposed those industries to the harsh reality of competition on a global scale. The cities industries couldn't compete and its workforce suffered, deep cracks opened in the social fabric and that is reflected in the physical urban scape in its inner city suburbs. There are pockets of gentrification now occurring and a bohemian vibe fills the air as the city awakens, pushing its way out of its post-industrial cocoon. I love the city and its physically evident and hauntingly beautiful urban decay.

There is a color version of this image in my 'Cityscapes and Urban Form' Gallery

Uploaded

August 13th, 2015