A review by srogan88
Asylum: Inside the Closed World of State Mental Hospitals by Christopher Payne
5.0
This book includes two essays at the beginning - one from the photographer, one from neurologist Oliver Sacks - that give some history on asylums and the project.
Then, it's off to the amazing photos. Payne captures the beauty of the architecture, the feeling of isolation and protection created by these mammoth buildings situated among rolling hills and countryside.
He also captures the feeling of desolation and hopelessness inside the walls, sharing photos of abandoned equipment, empty work rooms, and left-behind belongings.
I read this partly because I'm very interested in the progression (or recent regression, perhaps) of society's relationship to mental health. These institutions are an important part of that. I also read it with hopes it may inspire the writer in me.
Then, it's off to the amazing photos. Payne captures the beauty of the architecture, the feeling of isolation and protection created by these mammoth buildings situated among rolling hills and countryside.
He also captures the feeling of desolation and hopelessness inside the walls, sharing photos of abandoned equipment, empty work rooms, and left-behind belongings.
I read this partly because I'm very interested in the progression (or recent regression, perhaps) of society's relationship to mental health. These institutions are an important part of that. I also read it with hopes it may inspire the writer in me.