Angela Carlsen: No Vacancy
Angela Carlsen Desks, Greenvale School 2008
To some, Halifax exemplifies the paradoxes of modern urban development. Given its historic landmarks and newly redeveloped waterfront (including NSCAD University’s recently opened Port Campus) the city is something of a tourist mecca. But one only has to mention the city’s contensious 1960s “resettlement” of Africville, or consider the north-end/south-end divisional architecture of the city centre's monolithic Scotia Square Mall to understand the lasting impact of demolished histories and questionable civic planning.
Photographer Angela Carlsen makes a case for the value of neglected city spaces and histories in “No Vacancy,” an exhibition of images taken at five abandoned institutional sites in Halifax: The former Chronicle Herald building, Greenvale School, the Dartmouth Marine Slips, St. Joseph’s Church and the old Halifax infirmary. As she writes in her exhibition text, “Progress tries to tell us that instead of renovating buildings with historical relevance, it is better to demolish them in favour of newer, more pristine architecture.” Carlsen challenges new-is-better notions by documenting disused spaces that stand, even in an abandonded state, as living reminders of a significant past. These are spaces where the disorder and emptiness of derelict hallways, classrooms and industrial sites echo with a narrative life—one that remains relevant despite the ever-present threat of the wrecking ball. (1272 Barrington St, Halifax NS)
Angela Carlsen Chapel, Halifax Infirmary 2005
Angela Carlsen Printing Press Room, Chronicle Herald 2008
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