Book: ‘Spirit of Place’

  • Aurélien Villette and Spirit of Place went on an exhibition tour throughout Europe in February 2015.

    Aurélien Villette and Spirit of Place went on an exhibition tour throughout Europe in February 2015.

  • The technically perfect photography allows the viewer to infer various architectural influences of earlier times.

    The technically perfect photography allows the viewer to infer various architectural influences of earlier times.

  • The ruins in Villette's evocative photographs are stylized to create cultural heirlooms of the various periods and countries where they are located.

    The ruins in Villette's evocative photographs are stylized to create cultural heirlooms of the various periods and countries where they are located.

  • Villette's photographs allow viewers to imagine a bygone era.

    Villette's photographs allow viewers to imagine a bygone era.

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When buildings have outlived their purpose, becoming dilapidated remains of what they once were, one of two fates fall upon them: they’re either lovingly restored to become an enduring piece of history, or they continue to fall into ruin, standing as silent witnesses to an era far gone. In the new coffee table book Spirit of Place, French photographer Aurélien Villette captures the beauty of buildings that fall into the latter fate, bringing them back to life in ethereal color photographs. His subjects range from Christian chapels and obsolete theaters to events centers in a former Communist country, the spirit of each location captured in a collection of 100 color photographs. Photography fans will appreciate Villette’s technically perfect photography, while history and architecture buffs will enjoy a look back in time at the majestic grace of each of Villette’s subjects. Not only does Spirit of Place offer cultural documentation through stunning travel photography, it serves as a means for its viewers to transport to a place where time stands still.

For more information, visit Tenues Publishing Group

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