These photographs are part of a work in progress project.
Desolate documents the relationship that Alejandro Rubí has with a city and how he communicates with the architectural landscape. Rubí uses photography as a method of transmitting the emotions he experiences as he explores the new city allowing the viewer to feel as though they are getting to know this city for the first time and understand everything Rubí felt as he captured the moment. Rubí showcase a city that is known for being one of the most historic cities in the United States. With nearly 1.2 million people commuting in the daytime, Rubí depicts the city as a desolate place. The photographs meditate upon the idea of a place where a foreigner feels isolation despite the constant emphasis on this city being a home for all. Many photos touch upon the notion of not knowing if Rubí is on the right path. This confusion can be seen in the architectural landscape since we see a city that is known to be full of life portrayed as a lonely place. Rubí is able to show the emotions he feels while staying true to the portrayal of the city he explores as a foreigner.
Mixed in with these are photographs of singular individuals who are interpreted by Rubí. They represent someone who inhabits a place but is unable to connect to it. Rubí contemplates the idea of being present physically but not mentally. Their presence is considered secondary to the moment in which they exist, and this exposes the city’s true colors.
