Charles Agel b. 1957

Text by a Western European explorer with image:

In part, however, the floor remains entire, with fragments of the partition walls, so that the plan of the apartments can be distinctly made out. This floor is of a hard cement, which, though year after year washed by the floods of the rainy season, is hard and durable as stone. The inner walls were covered with plaster of a finer description, and in corners where there had been less exposure were the remains of colours; no doubt the whole interior had been ornamented with paintings. It gave a strange sensation to walk the floor of that roofless palace, and think of that king who left it at the head of seventy thousand men to repel the invaders of his empire.

Label text by Joan Vita Marotta, 2002

Photographic Memorials to the Industrial Revolution depicts the environmental consequences of excessive consumerism and production.  These habits are supported by the culture without concern for the environment.  In photographing the decayed ruins of industrial sites, Agel reminds the viewer that from this irresponsibility future generations are left with environmental damage.  In the 19^th century, the Industrial Revolution was believed to be the means by which a utopian world would be created; ironically, unforeseen side effects have destroyed the land and many of the factories themselves sit in decay.