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Abandoned Detroit

Collected by: San Jose State University, School of Information

Archived since: Sep, 2014

Description:

This collection is comprised of a modest sampling of sites that feature images, articles, and commentary reflecting diverse perspectives on photographing Detroit’s urban and industrial ruins. Photographs of abandoned and decaying spaces in Detroit, also known as “ruin porn,” have become the poster child for industrial decline in the United States. The term ruin porn is attributed to James Griffioen, Detroit resident and photographer, who used the term during a 2009 interview with Vice magazine to describe journalists flocking to Detroit following the 2008 financial crisis. Griffioen argued that these journalists neglected the complexity of the city’s economic problems and overlooked examples of health and growth by presenting the images out of context and through a prism of stylized photography to manipulate the narrative that the media presents about the city. As the economic health of Detroit begins to rebound, these discussions will be a part of its history; the possible transformation of these buildings and spaces from ruin to reclamation will make documenting its progression even more important.

Subject:   Arts & Humanities Society & Culture Detroit (Mich.) Ruins, Modern Detroit (Mich.)--History Photojournalism Architecture, American Architecture and society Abandoned buildings

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Title: Detroit's Abandoned Ruins Are Captivating, But Are They Bad For Neighborhoods?

URL: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/12/30/detroit-ruins_n_4519731.html

Description: Since declaring bankruptcy, the city of Detroit has noticed and influx of visitors taking part in various tours of an estimated 78,000 abandoned buildings. However for the residents of Detroit, the blight is just part of the landscape. An estimated fifth of the cars driving through some of the most affluent neighborhoods are now comprised of urban explorers who are both gawking at the ruins and learning about the city’s history. Some city officials call the blight a cancer on the city and are taking measures to demolish or repurpose the dilapidated structures while others are capitalizing on the “ruin porn” phenomenon.

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Subject:   Photojournalism Detroit (Mich.) Ruins, Modern Architecture, American Architecture and society

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