Willie and Rose, from Philadelphia series, 2008

Photographer Jeffrey Stockbridge is currently exhibiting work from three projects at the Wapping Project Bankside in London. The images present a bleak vision of life in Stockbridge’s hometown of Philadelphia.

“Philadelphia is both dead and alive at the same time,” says Stockbridge of the city. “Philadelphia was hit hard by the post-industrial economic decline during the mid-to-late 20th century. My work as a photographer explores the state of mind of these neglected neighbourhoods. I am interested in the concept of shelter and its relationship to survival. Drug use, prostitution and vacant homes are deeply ingrained in the culture of Philadelphia. They stand as a result of poverty but they also propel it. Many people ask me why I choose to photograph such a negative subject matter. My answer is ‘I live in this city’.”

51st and Warrington no. 2, from Occupied series, 2005-06

42nd and Spring Garden, from Occupied series, 2005-06

48th and Spruce, from Occupied series, 2005-06

The exhibition at Wapping Project Bankside covers three projects: Occupied (2005-06), The Divine Lorraine (2007, photographs of an abandoned hotel in the city), and Philadelphia (2008).

Dauphin and Camac, from Occupied series, 2005-06

5th Floor no. 1, from The Divine Lorraine series, 2007

19th and Brown, from Occupied series, 2006

Jeffrey Stockbridge's exhibition is on show until September 3; more info is at thewappingprojectbankside.com.

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