Whispers of Stone and River is a photography project that explores the forgotten and decaying spaces of Przemyśl, Poland, revealing the tension between preservation and neglect. Initially, this project began as an exploration of urban waste and industrial pollution in Portsmouth, UK, inspired by photographers like Edward Burtynsky and Chris Jordan. However, after traveling to Poland, my focus shifted to something more personal—examining abandoned buildings, government-funded restorations, and the selective preservation of historical sites in my hometown.

Through wide landscapes, architectural close-ups, and atmospheric compositions, this project highlights the ways in which time, nature, and human decisions shape the urban environment. Inspired by Roman Robroek’s approach to photographing abandoned places, I sought to capture the details of crumbling structures overtaken by nature, contrasting them with restored landmarks that receive government funding. My research delved into urban planning policies, historical preservation efforts, and public neglect, raising questions about how national priorities dictate which spaces are saved and which are left to decay.

At its core, Whispers of Stone and River is a reflection on history, memory, and the evolving identity of a city. It invites viewers to consider the significance of forgotten places and the silent stories they tell, urging us to question how we value and preserve the past.