Polish photographer Patrycja Makowska takes incredibly detailed shots of ruined buildings but refuses to divulge their location.
Forgotten grandeur —
Polish photographer Patrycja Makowska takes incredibly detailed shots of ruined buildings but refuses to divulge their location.
Courtesy Patrycja Makowska
Makowska began shooting about 12 years ago after visiting a ruined castle in Muszyna in southern Poland.
Hole in the roof —
Makowska began shooting about 12 years ago after visiting a ruined castle in Muszyna in southern Poland.
Courtesy Patrycja Makowska
Makowska says she doesn't want people to find the location of her images because "these places are destroyed and devastated, it's better for them to have been forgotten."
Blue ballroom —
Makowska says she doesn't want people to find the location of her images because "these places are destroyed and devastated, it's better for them to have been forgotten."
Courtesy Patrycja Makowska
Many of Makowska's images are given enigmatic names. This photograph, possibly of a derelict church, is titled "Darkness."
'Darkness' descends —
Many of Makowska's images are given enigmatic names. This photograph, possibly of a derelict church, is titled "Darkness."
Courtesy Patrycja Makowska
Occasionally Makowska's images feature abandoned objects -- such as an old armchair -- that give them a poignant, human touch.
Abandoned objects —
Occasionally Makowska's images feature abandoned objects -- such as an old armchair -- that give them a poignant, human touch.
Courtesy Patrycja Makowska
This image of two windows under a vaulted ceiling veined with decay is enigmatically titled "Ethereal Dreams."
'Ethereal Dreams' —
This image of two windows under a vaulted ceiling veined with decay is enigmatically titled "Ethereal Dreams."
Courtesy Patrycja Makowska
Another room, another abandoned object. This time a mottled old rocking horse in what perhaps could have been a very ornate nursery.
Rocking horse —
Another room, another abandoned object. This time a mottled old rocking horse in what perhaps could have been a very ornate nursery.
Courtesy Patrycja Makowska
Makowska, who lives in Warsaw, says she now wants to turn her lenses to nature, particularly "mountains, meadows and sea."
Crumbling corridor —
Makowska, who lives in Warsaw, says she now wants to turn her lenses to nature, particularly "mountains, meadows and sea."
Courtesy Patrycja Makowska
Many of Makowska's images feature sunlight shafting through windows or roof holes to pierce the dust and gloom.
Shafts of light —
Many of Makowska's images feature sunlight shafting through windows or roof holes to pierce the dust and gloom.
Courtesy Patrycja Makowska
Makowska's former career as a history teacher may have helped the detailed research she carries out to track down her abandoned subjects.
Swirling staircase —
Makowska's former career as a history teacher may have helped the detailed research she carries out to track down her abandoned subjects.
Courtesy Patrycja Makowska
"The location of these places is hard work, the research involves maps, historical books and old guides and talking to people who live in the areas of the buildings," Makowska says.
Studying the past —
"The location of these places is hard work, the research involves maps, historical books and old guides and talking to people who live in the areas of the buildings," Makowska says.
Courtesy Patrycja Makowska
Makowska says she began shooting with old Russian analog cameras, but has since acquired more modern Nikon and Canon gear.
Forgotten corners —
Makowska says she began shooting with old Russian analog cameras, but has since acquired more modern Nikon and Canon gear.
Courtesy Patrycja Makowska
Makowska says she also wants to tackle human subjects. "This would be a breakthrough for me because so far my work hasn't involved any people or portraits," she says.
From places to people —
Makowska says she also wants to tackle human subjects. "This would be a breakthrough for me because so far my work hasn't involved any people or portraits," she says.
Courtesy Patrycja Makowska
As with many of Makowska's photographs, this image, titled "Everything Will Fill With Light," could almost be a painting -- although the graffiti is a giveaway.
"Everything Will Fill With Light" —
As with many of Makowska's photographs, this image, titled "Everything Will Fill With Light," could almost be a painting -- although the graffiti is a giveaway.
Courtesy Patrycja Makowska
Another image with an enigmatic name. This is "Symphony of Destruction."
'Symphony of Destruction' —
Another image with an enigmatic name. This is "Symphony of Destruction."
Courtesy Patrycja Makowska
This image, titled "Memories of Days Gone By" contrasts the unreal aquamarine and copper color scheme of the elaborate interior with the brightly lit, natural greens of the trees outside.
'Memories of Days Gone By' —
This image, titled "Memories of Days Gone By" contrasts the unreal aquamarine and copper color scheme of the elaborate interior with the brightly lit, natural greens of the trees outside.
Courtesy Patrycja Makowska