Most abandoned architecture photography centers on random sites of desolate and dilapidated buildings, yet there is more purpose to the After You Left, They Took It Apart photo series. As the title poetically puts it, the project captures places that were stripped down once people lost their love for it. Yet more specifically, it focused on three homes that were built by the late modernist architect Paul Rudolph just days before their demolition.
Shot by Buffalo-born, New York-based photographer Chris Mottalini, the After You Left, They Took It Apart photo series captures a discipline of Modernist architecture that few people have witnessed, "revealing the grace of these homes as they stood in defiance of severe neglect and 'progress,'" as Arch Daily writes. This collection of images are currently part of the exhibition titled An Architect’s Vision: Paul Rudolph and Colgate’s Creative Arts Center.
Forsaken Modernist Architecture
The 'After You Left, They Took it Apart' Series is Poetic
Trend Themes
1. Photography of Abandoned Architecture - There is a growing trend of capturing and showcasing abandoned buildings through photography, offering a unique perspective on forgotten and neglected spaces.
2. Rediscovering Modernist Architecture - The After You Left, They Took It Apart series exemplifies a trend of rediscovering and reevaluating modernist architecture, bringing attention to its historical and aesthetic value.
3. Preservation of Architectural Heritage - The focus on the homes built by Paul Rudolph highlights a trend towards preserving and documenting significant architectural works, ensuring their legacy is not forgotten.
Industry Implications
1. Photography - The photography industry can provide new tools and techniques for capturing and showcasing abandoned architecture, attracting enthusiasts and professionals alike.
2. Architecture and Design - The After You Left, They Took It Apart series presents an opportunity for architects and designers to explore the potential of modernist architecture and incorporate its principles into their own work.
3. Art and Exhibition - The exhibition An Architect's Vision: Paul Rudolph and Colgate's Creative Arts Center showcases the intersection of art and architecture, providing a platform for the preservation and appreciation of architectural heritage.