Romain Veillon, a celebrated photographer specializing in abandoned spaces, delves into the profound question of what our planet might resemble without human intervention. His compelling new book, 'Green Urbex 2: The World Without Us', offers a visual journey through forgotten locales, meticulously captured to illustrate the inexorable power of nature to reclaim what was once man-made. Veillon's work acts as a poignant commentary on humanity's impact, prompting contemplation about our legacy and the fragility of our dominion over the Earth.
A World Reclaimed: Veillon's Vision of Abandonment and Renewal
In his latest publication, 'Green Urbex 2: The World Without Us', French photographer Romain Veillon presents a captivating exploration of the world's abandoned spaces. Veillon's journey, which has taken him to diverse countries including Myanmar, Namibia, Ireland, Georgia, Japan, Guyana, and Portugal, documents various structures such as houses, castles, palaces, churches, factories, and amusement parks, all succumbing to the embrace of nature.
The book is thoughtfully structured into three distinct parts, each representing a different stage of decay. The initial section showcases sites that appear as if humanity has only just departed, with only a thin layer of dust hinting at their abandonment. The second segment reveals the relentless march of time, depicting crumbling walls and disintegrating structures. The final and most poignant part illustrates nature's complete triumph, where lush vegetation and wild landscapes have thoroughly reclaimed human creations, leaving little trace of their former inhabitants.
Veillon explains that his preference lies in capturing scenes where "ivy takes over everything," as these images most powerfully convey a post-apocalyptic vision. He cites Kolmanskop, a ghost town in the Namib Desert, as a particularly inspiring location. Once a thriving diamond mining settlement at the dawn of the 20th century, Kolmanskop now stands as a surreal testament to boom-and-bust cycles, with sand-filled buildings creating an otherworldly atmosphere. Veillon describes his week-long experience there as "unreal and magical," feeling as though time had frozen decades ago.
His fascination with abandoned photography began in childhood, exploring a derelict truck factory near his grandmother's summer home. This early experience ignited a lifelong passion for urban exploration, or "urbex." Veillon sees his photographs not just as visual records but as prompts for imagination, inviting viewers to weave their own narratives about the past inhabitants and the reasons for abandonment. He regards his work as a modern "Memento Mori," a reminder that all things come to an end, urging us to cherish the present moment.
'Green Urbex 2: The World Without Us' is currently available in French bookstores and on platforms like Amazon France. Veillon is actively seeking an English publisher to expand the reach of his thought-provoking work. Further examples of his compelling photography can be found on his official website and Instagram.
Romain Veillon's photographic collection offers more than just aesthetically pleasing images of decay; it's a profound visual meditation on human transience and the enduring power of the natural world. His work serves as an important reminder of our environmental responsibilities and the potential consequences of our actions, subtly urging us to consider the legacy we leave behind. Through his lens, abandoned structures transform into powerful symbols of impermanence, sparking contemplation about our place within the grander scheme of existence.