about
Since the early 2000s, I have been deeply intrigued by abandoned state hospitals that I have visited over the years. I have always found their grandeur, size, and history to be fascinating. I felt a strong urge to share my experience of these asylums with others who might be interested. That's why I created a website called Insanctuary, which showcases my documentation of these abandoned historical buildings. What baffled me the most was why these architectural marvels, which hold such rich American history, were left to decay. These asylums were once self-sufficient mini towns away from society, but now they are left to rot and be forgotten. History is being erased right before my eyes. I aimed to capture and document as much as I could before these places became a distant memory. I believe it's essential to document these buildings both inside and out to keep their history alive for future generations. Unfortunately, preserving and saving these historical buildings is not easy. Most of them end up being demolished before any action, funds, or even awareness is made. Since most American asylums have a tainted history of abuse, most states prefer to forget what happened there. Therefore, it's better to be out of sight, out of mind when it comes to preservation.
As humans, we are innately curious about the unknown. We have an insatiable desire to unravel the mysteries of the world around us, and to discover new ideas and places. For me, there is something inexplicably mesmerizing about abandoned structures. Once filled with life and energy, they now sit silently, relinquishing themselves to the elements. The scenes both inside and outside these structures evoke a sense of otherworldliness and satisfaction. The death of humankind's artistic imagination is contrasted by nature's sheer will to survive, and it is this very thing that captivates me. As the buildings crumble and decay, new life emerges from every corner bringing on a unique yet beautiful scene.
Every place I visit has its own unique history, energy, personality, and beauty waiting to be captured and shared with others.