Light and mass reveal a once-utopian, now-ruined monument
Light/Mass is a series depicting alien urban landscapes found in cities across America. It explores the often overlooked architecture of America’s biggest cities. photographer Owen Davis reveals the wonderful strangeness of these monumental structures in familiar urban environments. Apparently surreal, yet unnoticed by passersby, these structures caught his attention, designed by architects and urban planners who envisioned a bright, utopian future for the inhabitants of America’s great cities. “I try to see them as incredible monuments, dynamic and unsettling, that now seem out of place and overlooked.” He shares.
Jacob Riis Baths, New York City, NY | all images by Owen Davis
Owen Davis captures alien architectural landscapes
Owen Davis moved to New York City from the UK in the spring of 2020, just days before the pandemic shut down the city. Like many people living in New York City at the time, photographer He spent time walking and cycling through the nearly deserted streets, soaking up the atmosphere of his new home, and during these explorations he became fascinated by the odd-looking buildings that seemed to pop up around every corner. “They were clearly otherworldly structures, distinct from the architecture around them, yet seemingly unnoticed by passers-by. I began to look for them, searching for strangeness in a city returning to normal.” He points out.
The photographer’s response to these structures was deeply influenced by New York City’s crisp light. Strong shadows formed on the rock outcrops, angled façades, and grounds on which the buildings stood, enhancing textures and creating new forms. The buildings absorbed the sunlight as if they were part of the landscape, giving them a monumental appearance. This interplay of light and shadow accentuated the buildings’ unique geometries and enhanced their surreal presence, captured in the Light/Mass series.
Eric Lindeman Building, Boston, Massachusetts
Fall River, Massachusetts City Hall
Terrace on the Tower, New York City, NY
Spring Street Salt Shed, New York City, NY
Former Armstrong Rubber Building, New Haven, Connecticut
Erastus Corning Tower, Albany, New York
HUD Building, Washington DC
Queens Place Mall, New York City, NY
Asphalt Green, New York City, NY
The Egg, Albany, New York
Hirshhorn Museum, Washington DC
Project Information:
name: Light/Mass
photographer: Owen Davis
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Editor: ravail khan | designboom
