Ellis Island 54 1988

Madoka Takagi made this photograph, "Ellis Island 54," at an unknown date, using I imagine, a pretty straightforward photographic process to capture a dilapidated building. What strikes me is the play of light and shadow, and the textural contrasts, from the rough decay of the building to the slender forms of the new growth. It feels melancholic, yet hopeful, a ruin being taken over by nature. The eye is drawn to the center of the image where the plant life is more prominent. The verticality of the tree creates a dialogue with the vertical lines of the architecture. The high tonal range from dark to light adds depth and drama to the composition, enhancing the emotional impact of the scene. It reminds me a little of the early photography of Eugene Atget. Both artists find a certain beauty in old, forgotten structures. But the most important thing about this image is that the artist reminds us that art making is a process of seeing.