In his new book 'Black Friday,' Seph Lawless captures eery shots of the Randall Park Mall prior to its demolition, along with another local mall. Once the biggest mall in the world, the Cleveland shopping centre is undergoing redevelopment. These pictures are the last taken of the mall before construction began.
Seph Lawless feels his abandoned mall photography is symbolic of the suburban economy in Cleveland, which has lost about half its population since the malls were first built in 1976. Malls being abandoned appears to be a part of a larger trend not just in Ohio.
Lawless hopes his work in 'Black Friday' raises awareness with the American people. The self-proclaimed 'artivist' believes in using art for activism and promoting social change.
Abandoned Activism Art
Seph Lawless Photographed the Abandoned Randall Park Mall
Trend Themes
1. Abandoned Mall Redevelopment - Redeveloping abandoned malls for new uses, such as affordable housing or mixed-use spaces, presents opportunities for innovative solutions to urban and suburban decay.
2. Activism Art - The increasing use of art as a tool for activism is disrupting traditional approaches to social change and creating new platforms for awareness and action.
3. Economic Shifts in Suburban Areas - The decline of suburban economies and the rise of urban centers is leading to opportunities for innovative solutions to address the unique challenges facing these areas.
Industry Implications
1. Real Estate Development - Developers and investors can capitalize on the trend of abandoned mall redevelopment to create innovative and sustainable solutions for urban and suburban areas.
2. Art and Photography - The convergence of art and activism is creating opportunities for photographers and artists to use their work as a catalyst for social change.
3. Community Development - Cities and organizations can tap into the economic shifts in suburban areas to develop innovative solutions that address the unique challenges facing these communities.