Crossing: Capturing Urban Transitions and Memories.
Life unfolds as a series of meaningful crossings, and cities serve as the perfect backdrop for these transformative journeys. The Crossing photographic project, initially undertaken in Brisbane, Australia, has long held a desire to be showcased in other urban locales. This artistic endeavour emerged from an insomniac episode, bearing witness to the solitary transitions we sometimes navigate alone. The inherent dynamism of places, perpetually in flux, finds its most compelling embodiment in the photographic medium, as nothing captures memories more evocatively than a well-timed photo.
Notably, the Crossing project immortalises the iconic Laundromat of New Farm, which underwent a remarkable metamorphosis into a flower shop after standing for decades. The protagonists cross from the bustling clubbing district of Brisbane, Fortitude Valley, to the serene quarters of New Farm embracing a poignant statement on urban transformation—the crossing spot of the Laundromat witnessed generations of wild nocturnal adventures.
Within the context of my photographic practice, I am committed to documenting territories, focusing particularly on their relevant and distinctive signage. This fascination with iconic texts, synonymous with celebrated cities worldwide—such as London’s Underground, Paris’ Metropolitain, New York’s Love, Los Angeles Hollywood, and Harry Potter’s enchanting Platform 9¾—underpins the essence of Crossing. By encapsulating the spirit of cities and their enduring memory, the project serves as a testament to the recurring theme of urban celebration amidst our contemporary, tension-laden times.
—Moe Louanjli