Photographer David Maisel's abandoned asylum series, titled 'Library of Dust,' depicts the heavily decayed and sadly deserted. Maisel visited the old asylum ward of the Oregon State Hospital and photographed its crumbling walls, peeling paint jobs and other eerie remains.
'Library of Dust' was created to explore how the medical industry has changed since the 1970s, when the Oregon State Hospital mental ward was still functioning. Maisel has photographed objects found inside the ward that may have seemed normal 40 years ago but today seem horrifyingly inhumane. For instance a surgery table used for electroconvulsive "shock" therapy might be expected in a 1970s-era ward, but today would be exceedingly rare.
This haunting photo series is a fearless portrayal of the mental health industry. Maisel does not attempt to hide anything from his viewers, but instead makes every dirty little secret accessible to anyone. In this way, 'Library of Dust' is truly an artistic feat.
Eerie Abandoned Asylum Photography
David Maisel's Library of Dust Series Shows Haunting Hospitals
Trend Themes
1. Abandoned Asylum Photography - Exploring the haunting beauty of decaying mental health institutions through photography can create a unique artistic experience.
2. Decay of Medical Industry - Photographic documentation of crumbling walls and outdated medical devices in abandoned asylums can highlight the need for innovation and modernization in the healthcare sector.
3. Artistic Exploration of Inhumane Practices - Using photography to showcase objects from the past that were once considered normal but are now seen as inhumane can spark conversations and drive change in the mental health industry.
Industry Implications
1. Photography - Abandoned asylum photography can be a niche market for photographers looking to capture the eerie beauty of decaying mental health institutions.
2. Healthcare - The decay of medical facilities depicted in abandoned asylum photography can highlight the need for improvement and innovation in the mental health industry.
3. Art - Photographic exploration of inhumane practices in the mental health industry can serve as a catalyst for artists to create meaningful and thought-provoking art installations.