Derelict Decadence, by Alfonso Ramundo

Alfonso Ramundo is an Italian photographer who has lived in Glasgow for almost two decades. Throughout his career, he has focused on different areas of photography but there has always been a constant theme in his work – decadent structures of any kind.

As a child, he had a fascination for abandoned houses in the countryside near his hometown. Since then, Alfonso has spent his life photographing old buildings, showing them in their present form – often neglected and forgotten but with a story to tell.

Alfonso has turned this fascination into a unique project “Derelict Decadence” creating a unique collection of photographs of the places he has visited and explored.

He says: “The aim of this exhibition is to tell a story through pictures about buildings that, after serving our society for decades by holding various activities and/or businesses, are in time abandoned, forgotten about, and often demolished just to be replaced by fashionable creations. The subjects of these photographs range from business centres, hotels, private homes and anything inbetween.

“The inspiration for this comes from the same questions I have been asking myself since I was a little boy – Who lived/worked there? Why did they leave? Why was the building abandoned? Why did they never come back?”

Alfonso finishes, “My work focuses on Scotland and Glasgow in particular as all of the constructions have a similar story. They often represent remarkable works of architecture which have been left to decay over the years and have been completely overlooked, sinking into oblivion and taking with them a piece of local heritage which can never be replaced. This exhibition will bring them back to life.”

“Derelict Decadence” ‘exhibition is free and open to the public and will take place throughout July/August in Skypark 1. Prints are available to buy. For more information: visit alfonsoramundo.photoshelter.com, Alfonso Ramundo Photography (on Flicker and Facebook).

Jacqueline Thow

Also exhibiting this summer is photographer Jacqueline Thow. She will be showcasing her unique collection of images that is inspired by nature, as part of an ongoing study of plants and natural forms.

Jacqueline Thow, originally from Aberdeen studied Surface Decoration at Gray’s School of Art. Jacqueline explains more on her choice of form and why nature inspires her. She says, “I have been working with digital photography for some years now and find its possibilities so versatile and inspiring. The idea of re-creation and metamorphosis, especially in nature, is what draws me. I’m attracted to the shapes, lines and fabric of natural plant forms, which I capture in a digital photograph. I then continue the idea of alteration and change using photo-editing software, allowing the features, forms and tones to evolve into new patterns, rhythms and textures – thereby releasing a previously undiscovered potential which would have otherwise remained dormant”.

Jacqueline’s images will also be available to buy.

Please contact jmtpicturemaker@gmail.com or visit jmtpictures.yolasite.com