CAPTURING THE BEFORE
VARIOUS ARTISTS
“Capturing the Before” was an exhibition of work by 8 local photographers who were invited by Ball & Socket Arts to document the buildings as they stood in 2017, at the nadir of their neglect. Whether focusing on objects, textures, reflections, open or hidden spaces, each photographer met the building with awe and respect.
Unique to the Max
There are many neglected former industrial sites in Connecticut. This one is special. Its architecture is varied and beautiful, and its scale is charmingly modest and humane. The buildings are also in surprisingly good condition. They need work, no doubt, but the walls are square and the foundations are solid. The site is adjacent to the soon to be completed Farmington Canal Linear Park and is in an accessible neighborhood that has been identified by the town for development as a pedestrian—friendly commercial area. We hope to preserve and restore these historic buildings to realize the vision they inspire.
Optimism
The future is revealed in light and color, and in the eyes of the artists bearing witness.
Beauty in Decay
There can be an uneasy beauty in scenes of decay and crumbling infrastructure, and at the same time a warning, a cautionary tale.
Filled with Light
The interior spaces are full of light and character. They speak easily of adaptive reuse and of form supporting function.