Photographer John Short has made a career out of capturing photographs of eerily empty spaces. The images above were taken from Short's book titled 'Unforgotten New York – Legendary Spaces of the Twentieth-Century Avant-Garde,' many of which feature former pubic gathering spots that are now unused.
It is rare to see New York City photographed in such as a bleak and dreary light, but in doing so, Short provides a stark contrast to the bright lights and busy streets that are typically associated with the Big Apple. The empty spaces photographed vary from abandoned theaters to gymnasiums and bars.
These once heavily visited areas are now dark desolate spaces with no purpose. In creating this collection, John Short provides alternate representations of the otherwise glamorous city.
Desolate Metropolitan Photography
John Short Captures Eerily Empty New York City Spots
Trend Themes
1. Eerily Empty Spaces - Capturing photographs of desolate metropolitan areas presents opportunities for documenting urban decay and exploring the concept of forgotten spaces.
2. Alternative Representations - Presenting alternate, less glamorous portrayals of well-known cities offers opportunities for challenging established perceptions and engaging audiences with thought-provoking imagery.
3. Bleak and Dreary Aesthetic - Adopting a bleak and dreary aesthetic in urban photography creates opportunities for conveying a sense of emptiness and solitude in bustling cityscapes.
Industry Implications
1. Photography - Exploring new approaches to urban photography that focus on capturing desolation and forgotten spaces offers emerging opportunities for photographers to create captivating and unique images.
2. Urban Planning - Examining abandoned and underutilized public spaces in cities presents opportunities for urban planners to repurpose and revitalize these areas to benefit local communities.
3. Art and Culture - Utilizing alternative representations of well-known cities in artistic mediums provides opportunities for artists and cultural institutions to challenge conventional narratives and evoke contemplation.