honorable mention
Lee Saloutos united states
title
Hidden In Plain Sight: Abandoned Prisons
Almost all of these structures are “hidden in plain sight”, integrated into the city or town in which they are located, often presenting a beautiful facade to the world. With the rise of the modern “prison industrial complex” the architecture of prisons has become much more banal, and such facilities are commonly hidden in remote areas. The prisons in these images are from an earlier era, and it is uncertain if attempts at integrating them into communities made them more or less visible.
In either case these places often have a long and frightening history, but when empty are full of eerie and beautiful light. The design and function of these interior spaces can be jarring, utilitarian, even brutal, yet the light in the space open and subtle and inviting.
It is possible to feel quite alone in one of these locations, and at the same time realize that they were inevitably overcrowded and filled with ever present tension and latent violence.
The contrast between these elements is fascinating and difficult. One can feel deeply unsettled and serene at almost the same moment.
Educated at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. I spent 3 years in the Fine Art program, then 3 ½ years in Electrical Engineering, graduated BSEE in 1977.
20 years working in technology, photographing part time; photographing full time since 1999.
Essentially all of my photography is in the arid west. I prefer locations and man made sites that are unknown or anonymous. I am interested in the literal and visual debris that we leave in the remote parts of the West.
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entry description
This series is part of an ongoing project documenting abandoned prisons in the US.Almost all of these structures are “hidden in plain sight”, integrated into the city or town in which they are located, often presenting a beautiful facade to the world. With the rise of the modern “prison industrial complex” the architecture of prisons has become much more banal, and such facilities are commonly hidden in remote areas. The prisons in these images are from an earlier era, and it is uncertain if attempts at integrating them into communities made them more or less visible.
In either case these places often have a long and frightening history, but when empty are full of eerie and beautiful light. The design and function of these interior spaces can be jarring, utilitarian, even brutal, yet the light in the space open and subtle and inviting.
It is possible to feel quite alone in one of these locations, and at the same time realize that they were inevitably overcrowded and filled with ever present tension and latent violence.
The contrast between these elements is fascinating and difficult. One can feel deeply unsettled and serene at almost the same moment.
about the photographer
Born in Wisconsin, 1953. Lived in Northern California from 1977 to 1993. Currently living in Central Virginia.Educated at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. I spent 3 years in the Fine Art program, then 3 ½ years in Electrical Engineering, graduated BSEE in 1977.
20 years working in technology, photographing part time; photographing full time since 1999.
Essentially all of my photography is in the arid west. I prefer locations and man made sites that are unknown or anonymous. I am interested in the literal and visual debris that we leave in the remote parts of the West.
back to gallery