In 2016, I found an empty, 40,000 square foot commercial space in NYC that is unusually criss-crossed with exposed iron trusses over twenty-feet high. Since my work is often inspired by mid-twentieth century artists, I wanted to make photographs in this amazing space. I returned the next day to find the doors locked. The space had been leased. Understandably, the new tenant would not allow me access due to liability issues.
In April 2023, I heard the space remained empty. One weekend, I found the space unlocked and an adventurous model and I slipped in. The entire floor had been stripped of all electrical outlets, so I was forced to use the only two battery-powered lights I had available. The next day, the space was locked again and a new tenant began construction on the space the following week.
The model, environment, and lighting came close to what I'd envisioned, but something was missing. Inspired by photographer David Attie's pre-Photoshop montages, I layered in pigeons from some of my failed street photography, completing the mid-century surreal quality I love.
