Citizen Brooklyn

There’s something romantic about the stillness of the past for Alessio Vicini. Through his photography, Vicini discovers the stories behind the abandoned, mysterious and otherwise overlooked corners of history.

©Alessio Vicini

How do you describe your medium?
My medium is mainly represented by things and buildings that have been abandoned. People who usually take photos in abandoned places are defined as urban explorers, but I don’t think this is the right expression for me, because I use photos to give new life to forgotten locations.

©Alessio Vicini

What draws you to the discarded and destruction?
I’m fascinated by these objects that people have forgotten. I like the fact that they have a great story to tell even if they are completely destructed or discarded.

©Alessio Vicini

What kinds of stories do they tell?
Abandoned places tell me old stories about relationships between the rich and poor, doctor and patient, life and death. I find this very interesting — the future is son of the past.

©Alessio Vicini

Your imagery is focused on abandoned piazzas, hospitals and churches. How do you find these places? Do you have any good stories of discovery?
I have always been attracted by religious and scientific iconography, because in Italy you can find many of these places. There is a sort of mystery in these locations. I found these places thanks to friend’s information or by web research. One day I crawled inside water pipes full of rats to access an abandoned psychiatric hospital.

©Alessio Vicini

Can you talk about the window series on your Instagram page? Windows and doors seem like a great place to start when exploring abandoned subjects.
Windows and doors are the first thing I notice when I’m exploring a forgotten building and are my favorite subjects. They frame a place in time. Like in artwork.

You can see more of Alessio’s work on Instagram

©Alessio Vicini

©Alessio Vicini

©Alessio Vicini

©Alessio Vicini

©Alessio Vicini

©Alessio Vicini

©Alessio Vicini

©Alessio Vicini

©Alessio Vicini

©Alessio Vicini

©Alessio Vicini

©Alessio Vicini