Beautiful Decay
Michigan Central Station - Marchand and Meffre Photography
I have no idea why I'm subscribed to the RSS feed io9.com... I'm sure I had a reason. But when these photos popped into Google Reader this morning, I was awestruck. Dumbfounded. Speechless.
As a guy with strong ties to Michigan, I have a soft spot for Detroit. I think it may be one of the most interesting cities I've experienced - but folks rarely get past the "Motor City" moniker to see the beauty of Detroit.
This collection of photos by Yves Marchand and Romain Meffre capture an unusual beauty - the beauty of decay. It is not really beautiful, of course, but heart-breaking to see these architectural masterpieces crumbling. Michigan Central Station has always intrigued me as it is plainly visible from the interstate feeding the Ambassador Bridge and I have stared at its broken windows many times over the years wondering what would become of it.
Marchand and Meffre's photographs make me a little sad - but I'm glad that they've been able to create some beautiful art from such miserable circumstances.
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I'm a digital communications executive specializing in community engagement, social marketing, and online identity management currently serving asthe Associate Secretary, Communications, at the national offices of The Presbyterian Church in Canada.
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January 4th, 2010 - 11:49
Looking through their photo set, I’m reminded of one of last year’s best games; Fallout 3. Detroit could make some money leasing these locations to film studios “as is” for post-apocalyptic films.
January 4th, 2010 - 11:53
@James Deane: that’s a great point – and I know Detroit (and Michigan) has been trying to foster it’s own movie industry.
January 4th, 2010 - 14:52
Whoa – some of those pics look like pics of abandonned war zones. Very powerful.
January 4th, 2010 - 22:38
I’ve been mesmerized by these pictures since I saw them last year. Stunning and Brilliant. Thanks for posting them.
January 5th, 2010 - 11:55
I’m disgusted by the books on the Library shelves and the piano turned on it’s side!!