Fjords Reviews

Structures in Decline

For this art project I explored the city of Syracuse, New York, where I reside, as well as my nearby hometown of Rome, discovering buildings and structures in various states of disrepair or decay; most of the buildings in Syracuse stood within walking distance of my apartment building.

I found myself drawn to the buildings because they seemed to haunt the landscape, expressing a feeling of loneliness. On winter days with the wind blowing, you could almost hear the structures groaning, imploring someone to pay attention to them.

And although they had deteriorated and been forgotten, most of the buildings had once served a purpose in the community and thus became part of the region’s history.

All of the photos were taken in 2012 and 2013. A major part of this project was capturing the demolition of the former Kennedy Square public housing project near downtown Syracuse. Here is some background information about it.

https://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2013/01/kennedy_square_buildings_come.html

I photographed the site at various stages of the demolition process and was particularly drawn to the winter scenes, punctuated by shimmering piles of construction debris covered with snow.

I also photographed the crumbling Interstate 81 viaduct/overpass running through downtown Syracuse.

https://www.dot.ny.gov/i81opportunities/about

Image Titles/Locations:

All of the images are digital photographs. Unless otherwise noted, all of the photos were taken in Syracuse, New York, and the copyright is 2015.

Biography:

Francis DiClemente is a video producer, freelance writer and still-learning photographer who lives in Syracuse, New York. He is the author of three poetry chapbooks, In Pursuit of Infinity (Finishing Line Press, 2013), Vestiges (Alabaster Leaves Publishing, 2012) and Outskirts of Intimacy (Flutter Press, 2010).

His blog can be found at francisdiclemente.wordpress.com. And he’s on Twitter @FranDiClem.

Artist Statement:

My photography centers primarily on nature and landscapes, still life, realism and abstract images. I am fascinated by the simple juxtaposition of light and shadow in whatever form it takes. And I strive to discover interesting images amid ordinary surroundings. In this sense, I consider my artwork exploratory in nature, as I seek out images in my neighborhood, my city, the surrounding area and in my travels. To see some of my photos, go to https://www.flickr.com/photos/francisdiclemente.