Bryan Sansivero Documents Otherworldly, Forgotten Houses in ‘America the Abandoned’

Across various regions in rural America, the trend of population decline continues. Factors such as low birth rates, an aging demographic, and the closure or transformation of local industries contribute to this shift. Younger generations are increasingly drawn to urban centers, seeking employment opportunities and vibrant cultural experiences. As reported by the U.S. Census Bureau, there are approximately 15 million abandoned homes nationwide as of 2022, left behind for reasons including foreclosures, deteriorating structures, or the passing of residents without anyone to inherit their homes.

Photographer Bryan Sansivero has developed a deep connection with the stories told by these forsaken places. His upcoming book from Artisan, America the Abandoned, presents a stunning collection of 200 photographs that delve into the essence of deserted homes scattered across the nation. His imagery spans from rooms filled with clothing, toys, and memorabilia to solitary farmhouses gradually merging with the surrounding landscape, all evoking a sense of narrative and history.

Without their former inhabitants, these dwellings still resonate with unspoken tales and unique character: their crumbling walls, encroaching foliage, and neglected possessions speak to lives once lived. Sansivero’s adeptness in portraiture complements his exploration of these once-vibrant spaces, allowing him to uncover the personalities of homes that echo with their past.

The visual journey captures a range of emotions, from the melancholic to the eerily beautiful. “These abandoned spaces are often overshadowed by dust and decay, yet sometimes they reveal extraordinary remnants, such as a tiger-skin rug, a bicentennial piano, or even a bizarre assortment of mannequins,” notes the publisher. “Collectively, this series of photographs acts as a striking time capsule—an unsettling reminder of the impermanence of our belongings and existence.”

America the Abandoned is set to release on October 14. Pre-orders can be placed on Bookshop. To explore more of Sansivero’s captivating work, visit his website and follow him on Instagram.