When the lights went out – Shadows explores a haunting New York City

Date
27 November 2012

We’re all familiar with the boldness of Manhattan – a bright, fast, vivid and relentless metropolis that never sleeps. Constantly bathed in artificial light originating from its transport, advertising, entertainment, housing and sidewalks scattered with street lamps. But as hurricane Sandy delivered its devastating blow, sending a vast water surge towards the city and submerging all power sources, the city wasn’t just flooded in water, but in an eerie silence under the cloak of complete darkness. Romain Laurent has captured these moments where the greatest, richest city on earth fell victim to nature, exposing a vulnerability against which it can never be completely defended.

There was no street life, very few cars, and in this obscurity the few people Romain crossed “were unidentifiable shadows punctuated by flashlights.” This collection of images exposes this unusual environment that was left stranded for several nights, evoking a sense of fear alongside the natural curiosity of the unknown. Overall, Shadows communicates these surreal impressions experienced by residents as they roamed the streets isolated in the pitch black.

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Romain Laurent: Shadows

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Romain Laurent: Shadows

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Romain Laurent: Shadows

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Romain Laurent: Shadows

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Romain Laurent: Shadows

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Romain Laurent: Shadows

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Romain Laurent: Shadows

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About the Author

Ross Bryant

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