Book Review: Blue Alabama
© Andrew Moore. Courtesy of Damiani Editore
‘Civilizations perish; perhaps eventually they all must.’ – Andrew Moore
America is vast. Forgotten communities and small towns become lost to the land. People stay and people leave. The ones left behind become rooted to the land like the trees and buildings become hollow shells left to slowly fade. However, in the emptiness of the derelict houses and the loneliness of the vacant streets, can also be comfort in the old landmarks and warmth in the tightly knit communities. In his new collection, Blue Alabama, Andrew Moore contrasts this emptiness of abandonment with an unavoidable content in the people and the places that survive the test of time. This book is the unending struggle between the old and the new.
© Andrew Moore. Courtesy of Damiani Editore
As noted by Imani Perry in the book’s preface, each of Moore’s images tells a story. From wrinkled hands to broken toys, he portrays an intimate sense of history throughout. While his framing and lighting maintain an often exquisite deliberation there a real sense of truth in his images. This is especially prominent in his portraits. Moore manages to capture people in their homes and at work. Whether there are multiple subjects or just one, personalities and a real sense of history shine through. With this, however, it cannot be ignored that despite the range of emotion in each of his subjects, no one is below the age of 30.
© Andrew Moore. Courtesy of Damiani Editore
© Andrew Moore. Courtesy of Damiani Editore
Past and present share an enticing link throughout this latest collection. The relationship between the two becomes problematic. We are shown a run-down mobile home in a sweep yard, seemingly sprouting itself from the earth, still in use but a sorry sight to an outsider’s gaze. To the left; what’s left of a wood cabin that has made itself part of the tree line, lost to time and claimed by the forest. Moore expertly captures an often melancholic passing of time, all the while evoking intrigue. The book is big and the pages large but this only adds to his attention to detail. Again, every image tells a story. And in each and every line, every crack, every groove that signifies old age and an encroaching end to all things, those stories are told. One can marvel at these visual tales over and over.
© Andrew Moore. Courtesy of Damiani Editore
Moore continues his storytelling in his own words in the book’s end, detailing his travels and encounters with the various people and places he photographed. There is a lot to be said for his ability to engage with the characters he meets, easing potentially tense situations, gaining insight into family histories and individual’s experience of Alabama life. The people of these communities know their histories with pride.
© Andrew Moore. Courtesy of Damiani Editore
© Andrew Moore. Courtesy of Damiani Editore
Moore states, ‘Whether by chance or instinct, I’ve always been drawn to places that seem to be on the verge of change, especially when the fibers of culture, politics, and history intertwine into a form unique to that particular place.’ With Blue Alabama, he shows us that change can be slow in rural life. Cultures, traditions and people may seem to be forgotten, and there is a sadness in the supposed freezing of progression. Andrew Moore captures all of this and then some. There is charm to be found in the passing of time and there are stories to be told. Maybe some things don’t need to change.
© Andrew Moore. Courtesy of Damiani Editore
