America the Abandoned

America is littered with abandoned homes, and all are subject to weather and natural decay. The furniture, decor, and personal belongings of the former inhabitants remain inside, even as ceilings cave in, mould grows, and dust settles.

Photographer Bryan Sansivero has been uncovering these abandoned homes for more than a decade, travelling across the country to capture them on film before they crumble completely. The homes can be difficult to locate and traverse, and he's never sure what he might find. There are one-of-a-kind relics: a tiger skin rug, a commemorative bicentennial piano, and a collection of mannequins, for example. But mostly, Sansivero documents the inhabitants' everyday living rooms, kitchens, and bedrooms just as he found them, showcasing their unique furniture, clothing, books, appliances, toys, artwork, and other personal items, which often appear as if they were left just yesterday. The stories of the former inhabitants remain mostly unknown, but the images are beautiful, haunting time capsules, and a reminder that everything we own is temporary, and eventually will be left behind or forgotten.

There is also an element of mystery and eeriness that this imagery evokes. In addition to those who are entranced by beautiful coffee table books, Haunted America will be enticing for those who love horror films and books—from Stranger Things to The Shining.