Urban exploration o urbex (from ‘urban exploration’) is quite a popular practice in recent years. But taking pictures in abandoned or ruined buildings or places It could be dangerous, especially if we talk about military installations or exclusion zones due to the danger of radioactivity. Dangers that do not seem to reverse Bob thissen, a photographer who has specialized in this genre and gives us incredible images.
From one of the hangar where the Soviet space shuttle project was carried out (which only traveled once into space) to the claustrophobic interior of an abandoned submarine, passing through images of the exclusion zone of the Fukushima nuclear power plant (Japan) . Nothing turns this Dutch passionate about capture the beauty of decay.
And, as he tells us, he prefers a deteriorated wall to a shiny one painted white. “Each texture is unique and the combination of vegetation and buildings gives a post-apocalyptic and mysterious feeling.”. Bob thinks that most of these abandoned places “They should be a museum, but there is no money to maintain or renovate these buildings. They are like museums with no entrance fee, long waiting lines, guided tours, or limitations on what can be seen.”.
“I hate mass tourism -keep going- It is a totally different experience when you can explore it for yourself.”. With this philosophy the photographer has been touring the world since 2007, first to unleash his passion for abandoned places, now to try to make a living from it through his photos and videos in television series and books such as ‘Exploring the Unbeaten Path’.
But how did you start with this? Well, Bob himself tells us that since he was a child he was looking for a hobby related to adventure, adrenaline and travel. “Since I was a child I was already exploring abandoned buildings in my area, but they were only small houses or ruins of an old factory. In 2007 I discovered the term ‘Urbex’ and I was immediately hooked, so much so that the next day I did my first adventure”.
For him, practicing urban exploration is something very diverse: “It’s not just about sneaking into abandoned buildings. You travel the world. I visited many areas and countries that most tourists do not know. You learn a lot about history, architecture, how buildings work and you meet people from all over the world”. For this reason, the urbex has become their way of life: “A truly adventurous lifestyle. Every week is another adventure and you never know what you will see, what will happen and if you return home safely”.
Undoubtedly a curious philosophy of life that Bob has used to capture images like the ones we show you and have an impressive catalog of places visited and photographed. So, without further ado, we leave you with more photos of him for you to enjoy.
Bob thissen | Website | Instagram | Youtube
Photographs by Bob Thissen reproduced with permission of the author for this article
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