Photography by Stacy Iannaccone
Project Overview: "Vacant Visions" is a thought-provoking photography project that delves into the untold stories of Phoenix's unused retail and commercial spaces that are beginning to show signs of dilapidation. This project captures the silent decay of these once-thriving spaces, left empty due to a combination of economic shifts, the lingering effects of the pandemic, and landlords holding out for the elusive "perfect tenant." Through a series of black-and-white darkroom prints, the project explores the delicate balance between revitalization and decay, gentrification and preservation, and the role landlords play in shaping the future of the city.
Concept and Technique: Each photograph in "Vacant Visions" is a black-and-white Gelatin Silver darkroom print that captures the stark reality of Phoenix's abandoned and neglected commercial spaces. The images are presented in a dual state: one half of the print showcases the building as it stands today, with peeling paint, broken windows, and overgrown weeds, while the other half is Mordançaged symbolizing a vision of what these spaces could become if left to decay further.
Mordançage is a unique photographic process that alters and degrades a gelatin silver print using a chemical solution of hydrogen peroxide, copper chloride, and acetic acid. This solution softens and lifts the emulsion in darker areas of the print, allowing manipulation to create unique textures, veils, and inversion effects.
This project seeks to address the complex reasons behind the increasing number of vacant commercial spaces in Phoenix. The pandemic has left many businesses shuttered, unable to survive the economic downturn. Landlords, facing financial pressures, often choose to leave spaces empty rather than lower rents, not wanting to lock in commercial leases at a low rate, which could reduce the value of the building if they choose to refinance or sell.
However, this approach can backfire, as empty spaces can lead to urban blight, causing entire neighborhoods to stagnate or decline.
"Vacant Visions" also explores the fine line between gentrification and community development. It questions whether landlords should prioritize renting to artists, creatives, and makers who, though they may pay lower rents, can breathe life and culture into a space, making it more attractive in the long term. The project challenges the viewer to consider how a balance can be struck between welcoming these lower-rent tenants and eventually attracting higher-paying businesses to enhance the area's growth further.
Impact and Reflection: Through "Vacant Visions," viewers are invited to reflect on the broader implications of urban development and the role that property owners and tenants play in shaping the character and future of Phoenix. The images serve as a visual commentary on the unintended consequences and the potential for long-term decay. The project underscores the importance of proactive and thoughtful urban planning, where both landlords and tenants contribute to the health and vibrancy of the city.
In capturing these spaces on the brink of transformation or deterioration, "Vacant Visions" asks: What kind of city do we want to live in, and who has the power to shape it? The project leaves the answer open-ended, encouraging dialogue and action from all stakeholders in the community.