Stairs of abandoned house (Gajeva 20, Karlovac) 2016

Editor: This photograph, “Stairs of abandoned house (Gajeva 20, Karlovac)” by Alfred Freddy Krupa, taken in 2016, has a really haunting atmosphere. The architecture is beautiful, but clearly neglected. What story do you think it’s telling? Curator: To me, this photograph is a powerful commentary on societal neglect and the passage of time. The decaying architecture serves as a visual metaphor for forgotten histories and marginalized communities. Look at how the light filters through the broken window – it highlights not just the physical decay, but also the loss of potential and opportunity within this space. Editor: That’s interesting. I was just seeing the beauty in the structure, but you're right, there is something very unsettling. Curator: Absolutely. Consider the title, pointing to a specific location. This grounds the artwork in a tangible reality, urging us to reflect on the stories of the people who once inhabited this space. What does it mean for a house, once a home, to be abandoned? Whose voices are silenced when these spaces are forgotten? Editor: So, it's not just about the aesthetics of decay, but also about raising questions about social responsibility and remembering the past? Curator: Precisely. Photography has a long history of documenting social injustices. Krupa's image fits into that tradition, prompting us to confront uncomfortable truths about urban decay and the systemic forces that lead to such abandonment. It compels us to consider the intersectional relationships between space, power, and memory. What does this image provoke in you now? Editor: I see it very differently now. I realize the responsibility a photograph can have. It's more than just seeing beauty; it’s about acknowledging what the beauty hides. Curator: Indeed. Art like this pushes us to look deeper, fostering empathy and critical engagement with the world around us.