In a world that is always in motion, we seek perfection, novelty, and flawlessness. Amidst this pursuit, we overlook the unique aesthetics and history found in decay. We fail to see the beauty in the cracks that appear on an old wall or in the abandoned buildings that once housed life and activity. But it is precisely there, in the corners of decay, that we find stories waiting to be retold.
With photographs of the decay on Refshaleøen, I aim to challenge our perception of time and value. Decay reminds us that everything is transient and nothing lasts forever. Yet, in this realization, we can find a deeper appreciation for the present moment and an understanding of our own impermanence. By reflecting on images of decay, we can find a renewed gratitude for what is and an awareness of our place in the grand history unfolding around us.
A fascinating aspect of abandoned places is nature’s ability to reclaim and take over. When human hands are no longer present to maintain or preserve these places, nature takes over. We see lush plants growing through cracks in the floor or beautifully overgrown walls that have overtaken buildings. This struggle between the man-made and the natural creates an aesthetic contrast that is both destructive and captivating at the same time.
Sometimes old industrial machines are enigmatic, especially when they have been abandoned or forgotten. Seeing a decaying machine raises questions about its origin, purpose, and history. How did it work? Who used it? Why was it abandoned? When old machines decay, they reveal not only rust and neglect but also an era of strength, ingenuity, and craftsmanship that once propelled the world forward.