Self-taught photographer Matthew has travelled across the globe in search of the world’s most beautiful abandoned places.
Crowned the winner of the 2017 People’s Choice Award, the Lincolnshire-based artist won crowds over with his haunting photographs. From asylums and hospitals to churches and theatres, the lost and forgotten are conjured from the darkness into the light of his camera lens. Matthew explains: “I am drawn to the beauty of buildings and places that nature has claimed back. I want to capture a glimpse of their story while allowing our imagination to decide what could be hiding there.” After buying his first digital camera in 2000, Matthew began experimenting with light painting and long-exposure photography. Whilst looking for places unscarred by light pollution, he discovered the eerie beauty of abandoned buildings. Matthew says: “I approach my work with a totally open mind. Every time I go out with my camera, I seek to capture scenes in my own unique way, whether it’s a house full of decay or a factory with machines that are now silent.” Inspired by the surreal world of M.C. Escher, Matthew’s images flicker between the contrast of light and shadow. Solid areas of black add depth and space, whilst horizontal and perpendicular lines give the pieces an architectural feel. Before photographing each scene, he walks through the building to look for the shot that will best represent the location. Keen to act on his own emotions and impulses, he enters the area without looking at previously-taken images. He adds: “My photographs represent my passion for translating stories from camera into print. I love the mix of mechanical and biological forms… of everyday scenes in a completely fantastical world.” Over the last five years, he has visited the Ukraine, Italy, Bulgaria, Belgium, Germany, Austria, France and Luxembourg to uncover the secrets of these otherworldly locations.
9
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker