Smithsonian magazine's 22nd Annual Photo Contest | Made possible through the support of MPB.com

22nd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest The American Experience
A Hole in Small Town America

This haunting image captures a dilapidated window in Erwin, North Carolina, offering a glimpse into the forgotten corners of small-town America. The broken glass, framed by weathered, rusted metal, symbolizes the passage of time and the decay of once-vibrant communities. The blurred background hints at a once-thriving neighborhood, now shrouded in obscurity. The contrast between the shattered window and the intact brick wall suggests the fragility of human structures and the enduring nature of the built environment. The image evokes a sense of melancholy and nostalgia, inviting viewers to contemplate the stories hidden within these crumbling walls. As the sun fades through the broken glass, the scene takes on a dreamlike quality, a haunting reminder of the past's enduring presence in the present.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 07.2024
Date Uploaded: 10.2024
Photo Location: Erwin, North Carolina, United States of America
Camera: ILCE-7M3
Copyright: © Steven Seay