Romania's capital city, Bucharest, displays an elegant past that, after 40 years of communism and corruption, is now reaching levels of decay that may defy renovation. Over the past ten years, I have tried to create a parallel between the image of Princess Brianna Caradja, whose aristocratic family was driven out of Romania by politics, and of the capital city that is crumbling both physically and socially. With my journalistic background, I attempt to mirror the forgotten, ignored grandeur of both the physical and social institutions of my homeland.
Romania's capital city, Bucharest, displays an elegant past that, after 40 years of communism and corruption, is now reaching levels of decay that may defy renovation. Over the past ten years, I have tried to create a parallel between the image of Princess Brianna Caradja, whose aristocratic family was driven out of Romania by politics, and of the capital city that is crumbling both physically and socially. With my journalistic background, I attempt to mirror the forgotten, ignored grandeur of both the physical and social institutions of my homeland.
Romania's capital city, Bucharest, displays an elegant past that, after 40 years of communism and corruption, is now reaching levels of decay that may defy renovation. Over the past ten years, I have tried to create a parallel between the image of Princess Brianna Caradja, whose aristocratic family was driven out of Romania by politics, and of the capital city that is crumbling both physically and socially. With my journalistic background, I attempt to mirror the forgotten, ignored grandeur of both the physical and social institutions of my homeland.
IMPRESSIONS
INHERITANCE
Thermal springs, hidden in a scenic valley, were used by Roman soldiers to cure their ills. Centuries later, the same healing waters drew the Austro-Hungarians to build one of the most elegant spa resorts ever created in Europe. It was a retreat where the aristocrats and royals came for their cures. With the fall of empires and monarchies, and years of communist rule, the exquisite architecture of Baile Herculane began to show its age. After the revolution in 1989, decades of neglect and mismanagement brought the buildings to the brink of collapse.
Over the past ten years, Bogdan Mihai has chronicled the decline of the historical thermal baths in Herculane, Romania. While this collection of photographs depicts the decline of a historical treasure in Romania, it also remind us of our responsibility to future generations. Little remains of the Roman baths in Herculane, and the 19th century spa is near collapse… yet the hot springs continue to flow.
There are many examples of the price of indifference. Whether personal issues, family or local problems, national or global concerns, all will decay from neglect. Herculane Baths are our inheritance, all of us. And though we did not destroy this gift, it remains our responsibility. The more important question is where have we been neglectful? What has withered under our care and what will be our legacy?
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