a fondness for forgotten spaces: christian richter's images of abandoned architecture

photographer christian richter grew up in an area that used to belong to east germany, and was 14 years old when the berlin wall came down. ‘many places began to fall into disrepair. that’s when I started visiting old buildings, sometimes with friends, sometimes on my own,’ richter recalls. this early investigation of abandoned architecture soon developed into a fascination and fondness for forgotten factories, chapels, homes and theaters.

during miami art week, richter presents a solo show of his abandoned architectural photography, exploring the test of time and its impact on its surroundings. in collaboration with art lexïng gallery, emmanuelle bernard — founder of the l’appartement store in miami — hosts an exhibition of work by the german photographer depicting derelict buildings and landmark sites that have fallen into irreversible disrepair.

over the past seven or eight years, richter approximates visiting nearly 1,000 buildings across europe, traveling through france, belgium, italy, poland and beyond. the images on view at l’appartement store in miami illustrate the decaying, cracking and overgrown sites as poignant portrayals of the buildings’ once human occupation, now overrun by greenery and debris. fascinated by their inherent beauty, richter has documented these abandoned spaces as ‘secret stories’ waiting to be uncovered, revealing the architectural ‘soul’ of the building through his lens.

‘there’s a feeling that it is the end of time, and you don’t find that kind of atmosphere anywhere else,’ richter says. ‘the way they deteriorate, when nature starts to take over, reminds me that everything is transient. nature always has – and will have – the upper hand in those interplays. when the roof is falling apart and water comes through the ceilings, moss and lichen grow. if the windows are closed it can get very warm in summer and plants start to take over. often there’s a very moldy smell, but I like it when nature starts taking the building back, and when things are blooming and growing inside these peaceful places because no-one ever goes there.’

see more of richter’s work on instagram here.