In a similar vein, sometimes it is just simpler to repurpose an old or ugly building rather than tearing it down. As a result, architectural palimpsests abound in the modern urban landscape. Might photography be a useful tool for artists to begin to understand these elements of their built environment?
If well seen, images of architectural palimpsests can make interesting abstract compositions in their own right. If done really well, perhaps the viewer is also invited to create an accompanying narrative that leads to some new understanding on their part?
Of course, if the goal is artistic rather than scientific, we are free to include other elements in our composition as well, such as the ground plane or even a shadow or two.
Some of the structures I have photographed over the years have been demolished or repurposed yet again in the name of gentrification, so I am glad I have a record of them as transitory palimpsests.
