Oh, the city. So many things. So much stuff. Asphalt. Dust. Concrete. It’s everywhere. Like soup cans, but gray. And worn out. And sometimes it shines in the rain. It’s totally cool. You just have to see it. It’s Pop.
This ongoing photographic project explores the urban landscape of “Stadt Essen” through the lens of asphalt and dust. There may be many beautiful places in this provincial city, but as is so often the case, the banal prevails.
It started in 2025 and is a visual exploration of the aesthetics of urban space beyond the familiar landmarks and gleaming facades. It is dedicated to the inconspicuous details, the weathered surfaces, the hidden corners and the seemingly banal objects that characterize the everyday cityscape.
Rather than condemning or ironically commenting on the 'ugly', the project looks for the special in the ordinary also called #banalography. It is about discovering the beauty in the unremarkable and capturing the poetry of everyday life, familiar surroundings are seen in a new light. As a documentary, it also shows the decay of a city. Abandoned shops, office buildings and the neglect of once liveable urban space.
Asphalt and Dust is an invitation to look at the city with different eyes and to see the often overlooked beauty in the seemingly ugly. It is a tribute to the details that make up urban life and a search for the quiet poetry hidden in the streets, alleys, and backyards.
Visit the project on:
Instagram