There is a “romantic narrative of the beauty of decay in the ruin image produces pleasure by containing and controlling the anxiety of decline through the safety and distance of representation.” … “This is the cultural function of ruin imagery; the mental mastery of the terrifying is its nature and purpose. Even as it makes evident the disastrous effects of capitalism, the more aesthetically refined and pleasing the ruin image” (Apel, 2015). This quote is interesting in regard to urban exploration because is it not accurate? As urban explorers we find joy and pleasure visiting these distressed structures. The more damaged and in ruins that the buildings are, the more beautiful and interesting in our eyes.
Apel (2015) continues to discuss in the Ruins of Capitalism, there is a certain metaphor of nature reclaiming the city; however, when we photograph these destructive creations or failed industrialism in societies many question if we are doing more harm than good?
It is said that by exposing these failures and the natural structural life cycle urban explorers broadcast and profit off failure.
Ross (2016), summarizes the following:
“Urban exploration, or “the investigation of manmade structures not designed for public consumption,” involves adventuring into off limit spaces such as abandoned houses and factories, storm drains, and rooftops (High 2007, 41) This activity predominately attracts white, middle-class, young adults, and often these explorers engage in adventures for sensory stimulation and appreciation of (the emotion of) history” (p.38)
So beyond reading an extensive number of scholarly articles and information regarding the disapproval of urban exploration I want to question the dissonance in our daily life.
What is modern day capitalism sweeping under the rug and don’t want us to see?
Is there harm in gaining knowledge and revealing capital abandonment from our past?
