These Places Exist

September 16, 2021

The Library of the Kremsmunster Abbey, Austria

I‘m having a bit of library-obsessed moment here if you don’t mind. I stumbled upon this photograph of the Library of the Kremsmünster in Austria and just had to see more of this magical place. Little did I know I was going to the find treasure trove that is photographer Massimo Listri’s work. He has a career spanning over thirty years and has gained great notoriety and respect during that time, which in turn has given him private access to some of the most unique, hidden and restricted places in the world. His work reminds me of the etherial ‘Hyperphotos‘ by Jean Francois Rauzier we looked at last week– only we can stare at these with the comfort of knowing that these man-made places actually exist. His large-scale photographs makes you feel proud to be a human being! We’re pretty good aren’t we?! Pat on the back.

The Library of Seitenstetten, Austria

Castello di Sammezzano, Florence Italy

Sala Bianaca in the Pitti Palace, Florence

Other than the vividness of the magnificent architecture that Listri has captured, he also transmits an eerie silence. You get the feeling that everyone has suddenly vanished, like we’re looking at an apocalyptic movie set. Many describe him as a ‘sceneographer’.

“My photography is an expression of tranquility and silence in this chaotic society– as sense of perspective and equilibrium. This is therapy for the soul. Every time I take a photo is like the first time a treasure is revealed, a first emotion, be it an empty room or the greatest treasures of the Vatican.”