Rostov-on-Don, Russia - June 25, 2018. This photograph captures the abandoned building of the Moskovskaya Hotel, which is undergoing reconstruction or extensive repairs. The once grand facade of the building is now hidden under a massive white banner, on which the outline of windows and architectural elements is drawn, creating an illusion of its former appearance. This solution gives the building a surreal look, contrasting with its actual state of decay.
The sky is overcast, creating soft, diffused lighting typical of a cloudy summer day. The absence of direct sunlight emphasizes the melancholic mood of the shot. The greenery of the trees growing along the sidewalk looks lush but cannot dispel the feeling of decay associated with the abandoned building. Several people are strolling along the sidewalk, their presence adding life to the scene, but they seem to be mere fleeting observers of this place's history.
The composition of the shot is designed to emphasize the scale and architectural heritage of the hotel. The building occupies a large part of the frame, its elongated shape along the street creating a sense of expanse and history. Next to the hotel, other buildings are visible, one of which looks more modern and inhabited, creating a contrast between past and present, between decay and life. The street in front of the building is alive with car traffic, which also speaks of the ongoing life of the city, despite the condition of one of its iconic landmarks.
The overall mood of the shot is a mixture of nostalgia for the past and anticipation for the future. The banner concealing the facade symbolizes a transitional period, a time when something old is leaving, and something new has not yet emerged. The photograph evokes reflections on time, history, and the transformation of urban spaces. The color palette consists mainly of muted tones: gray asphalt, pale yellow hues of the facade under the banner, the green of the trees, and the white of the clouds. This creates a calm, yet slightly sad atmosphere.
