Silent Places

I packed my suitcase, some personal belongings and left Germany to move to Detroit, Michigan in 2001. This move has deeply influenced my life and later my photography. I often wandered, strolled and roamed around in disused places, fascinated by these massive structures left behind with an indescribable atmosphere.To me these locations are compelling on many levels; the smell, the different textures, the danger, the uncertainty, the solitary and yet a comfortable mood as well as the feeling of time passing. After returning to these buildings I developed a connection with these locations and my deepest feelings. I started to take self portraits in these neglected places.The feeling of vulnerability, loneliness and isolation seemed to have been amplified by moving far away from my home. In these unusual, sometimes surreal but not imaginary places,I can reenact my desires, feelings, hopes and fears to an extent which would not be possible in my ordinary life.