.
![Former Werth's Appliance Center, State Street, Hammond, IN., 2000]()
Former Werth's Appliance Center, State Street, Hammond, Indiana, 2000
![Former Honda dealership turned to Gospel Church According to Jesus Christ, East Monument Ave. at East Ave., Baltimore, 2002]()
Former Honda dealership turned to Gospel Church According to Jesus Christ, East Monument Ave. at East Ave., Baltimore, 2002
![Home of Life Missionary Baptist Church, 4650 West Madison St., Chicago, 2003]()
Home of Life Missionary Baptist Church, 4650 West Madison St., Chicago, 2003
![True Gospel Church of the Living God, 1855 Third Ave., Richmond, CA, 2004]()
True Gospel Church of the Living God, 1855 Third Ave., Richmond, CA, 2004
![Portable sign to advertise Sunday services, of Little Widow's Mite M. B. Church, placed on the Bronx temple. Seventh Day Adventist Church, where they rent space, Willis Ave. at E. 147th St., Bronx, 2004]()
Portable sign to advertise Sunday services, of Little Widow's Mite M. B. Church, placed on the Bronx temple. Seventh Day Adventist Church, where they rent space, Willis Ave. at E. 147th St., Bronx, 2004
![29th St. at Thomson St., Philadelphia, 2004]()
29th St. at Thomson St., Philadelphia, 2004
![1891 Washingon Ave., Bronx, 2001]()
![San Toribio, Cristero, Nabors Market, Hooper Avenue at 88th St., Los Angeles, 2013]()
San Toribio, Cristero, Nabors Market, Hooper Avenue at 88th St., Los Angeles, 7 April 2013
![3344 Third Ave., Bronx, 1981]()
3344 Third Ave., Bronx, 1981
![65 East 125th St., Harlem, 2014]()
65 East 125th St., Harlem, 2014
![65 East 125th St., Harlem, 2011]()
65 East 125th St., Harlem, 2011
![65 East 125th St., Harlem, 2009]()
65 East 125th St., Harlem, 2009
![Christ, Ruben's Body Shop, 4325 S. Avalon Blvd., LA, 2014]()
Christ, Ruben's Body Shop, 4325 S. Avalon Blvd., LA, 2014
![Sacred Heart Seminary, 2701 Chicago Avenue, Detroit, 2003]()
Sacred Heart Seminary, 2701 Chicago Avenue, Detroit, 1994 [2003]
![Schaffer St. at Broadway, Brooklyn, 2008]()
Schaffer St. at Broadway, Brooklyn, 2008
![All Nations Spiritual Church, Garfield Blvd. at S. Normal, Chicago, 1992]()
All Nations Spiritual Church, Garfield Blvd. at S. Normal, Chicago, 1992
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![10828 S. Avalon Blvd., LA, 1980]()
10828 S. Avalon Blvd., Los Angeles, 1980
![12107 Kinsman Ave., Cleveland, 2002]()
12107 Kinsman Ave., Cleveland, 2002
![1600 N. Bond St., Baltimore, 2002]()
1600 N. Bond St., Baltimore, 2002
![7123 S. Halsted St., Chicago, 1992]()
7123 S. Halsted St., Chicago, 1992
![4344 West Madison St., Chicago, 2014]()
4344 West Madison St., Chicago, 2014
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4344 West Madison St., Chicago, 1994 (via Time, 9 July 2013
![4344 West Madison St., Chicago, 1989]()
4344 West Madison St., Chicago, 1989
![4344 West Madison St., Chicago, 1988]()
4344 West Madison St., Chicago, 1988
![4344 West Madison St., Chicago, 1987]()
![4344 West Madison St., Chicago, 1983]()
4344 West Madison St., Chicago, 1983
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![3339 Third Ave., South Bronx, 2013]()
3339 Third Ave., South Bronx. 2013
![3339 Third Ave., South Bronx 2009]()
3339 Third Ave., South Bronx. 2009
![3339 Third Ave., South Bronx, 2006]()
3339 Third Ave., South Bronx. 2006
![3339 Third Ave., South Bronx 2003]()
3339 Third Ave., South Bronx. 2003
![3339 Third Ave., South Bronx, 1994]()
3339 Third Ave., South Bronx, 1994
![3344 Third Ave., Bronx, 1990]()
![Pierre Gaspar, Street evangelist, St. Nicholas at West 116th St., Harlem, 2008]()
Pierre Gaspar, Street evangelist, St. Nicholas at West 116th St., Harlem, 2008
![Street evangelist, SE corner of E. 125th St. at Lexington Ave., Harlem, 2007]()
Street evangelist, SE corner of E. 125th St. at Lexington Ave., Harlem, 2007
!["Satan, you are not longer my Lord." outdoor service of the New Creation Ministry, Sutter Ave., Brooklyn, 2003]()
"Satan, you are not longer my Lord." outdoor service of the New Creation Ministry, Sutter Ave., Brooklyn, 2003
![Carrie and Archie, Malcolm X Blvd. at W. 125th St., Harlem, 2007]()
Carrie and Archie, Malcolm X Blvd. at W. 125th St., Harlem, 2007
![Baby Dorion outside the New Friendship M. B. Church, Harvey, Il., 2003]()
Baby Dorion outside the New Friendship M. B. Church, Harvey, Il., 2003
![Deacon E. M. McGee, New Jerusalem Baptist Church, South Halsted Ave., Chicago, 1998]()
Deacon E. M. McGee, New Jerusalem Baptist Church, South Halsted Ave., Chicago, 1998
![Pura and Juana singing at Senda de Bendicion, 506 Brook Ave., South Bronx, 2001]()
Pura and Juana singing at Senda de Bendicion, 506 Brook Ave., South Bronx, 2001
![House of Blessings, 5440 S. State St., Chicago]()
House of Blessings, 5440 S. State St., Chicago [between 1970 and 2009]
![Anthony Ray, The Greater Temple of Praise, Snediker Ave., Brooklyn, 2002]()
Anthony Ray, The Greater Temple of Praise, Snediker Ave., Brooklyn, 2002
![Rev. Denson, Fellowship M. B. C. Church, 410 East 31st St., LA, 2002]()
Rev. Denson, Fellowship M. B. C. Church, 410 East 31st St., Los Angeles, 2002
![Sunday service at Saint Martin's Spiritual Church, Utica Ave. at Prospect Pl., Brooklyn, 2002]()
Sunday service at Saint Martin's Spiritual Church, Utica Ave. at Prospect Pl., Brooklyn, 2002
![Gospel Concert, Supernatural Deliverance Revival Tabernacle, 70 First Street, Newark, 2003]()
Gospel Concert, Supernatural Deliverance Revival Tabernacle, 70 First Street, Newark, 2003
![Lilly of the Valley Spiritual Church, singing " I realy like my God. I do, I do, I do," 48th Place, at S. Princeton Ave., Chicago, 2002]()
![Charles on the wheel chair, Daphne wearing blue, Paloma, Hilda, and Nora sitting at the center, 11165 S. Central Ave., LA, 2014]()
![Mt. Lebanon Missionary Baptist Church, South Western Ave. between 96th and 97th Streets, Los Angeles, 2014]()
Mt. Lebanon Missionary Baptist Church, South Western Ave. between 96th and 97th Streets, Los Angeles, 2014
![Sweet Kingdom Annex, Chene at Superior, Detroit, 2013]()
Sweet Kingdom Annex, Chene at Superior, Detroit, 21 October 2013
![Former Broadway Trust Company, Broadway at Walnut St., Camden, 2003, The large classical building is now the St. James Apostolic Temple. It glows like a survivor from an ancient civilization]()
Former Broadway Trust Company, Broadway at Walnut St., Camden, New Jersey, 2003. The large classical building is now the St. James Apostolic Temple. It glows like a survivor from an ancient civilization.
![View north along 7th St. towards Florence, Camden, 2005]()
View north along 7th St. towards Florence, Camden, New Jersey, 2005
![McClellan at Goethe, Detroit, 2014. Nativity scene painted on the ruins of an apartment building. Berry, the postman, said, "The neighborhood is being blessed, the area is so bad that they could use a blessing." Kat, the lady that lives across the street hired a sign painter. The Goethe Building erected in 1924, is according to the postman "Not so much the eyesore that used to be" explaining that "The murals on it are about faith"]()
McClellan at Goethe, Detroit, 3 June 2014. Nativity scene painted on the ruins of an apartment building. Berry, the postman, said, "The neighborhood is being blessed, the area is so bad that they could use a blessing." Kat, the lady that lives across the street hired a sign painter. The Goethe Building erected in 1924, is according to the postman "Not so much the eyesore that used to be" explaining that "The murals on it are about faith".
![Crossover Inner City Gospel Ministry, Cass Ave. at Temple St., Detroit, 1994]()
Crossover Inner City Gospel Ministry, Cass Ave. at Temple St., Detroit, 1994
![Christ as a body builder; mural by Curtis Lewis, Gratiot, Detroit, 1995]()
Christ as a body builder; mural by Curtis Lewis, Gratiot, Detroit, 1995
![Holy Bethel M. B. Church, Gary, IN, 1988]()
Holy Bethel M. B. Church, Gary, Indiana, 1988
![Salem Travellers Bus, Lawndale, Chicago, 1990]()
Salem Travellers Bus, Lawndale, Chicago, 1990
![Way of Holiness Church, 5258 Indiana Avenue, Chicago, 2003]()
Way of Holiness Church, 5258 Indiana Avenue, Chicago, 2003
![3029 Wabash Ave., Joy Mart Party Supplies, East LA, 1997]()
3029 Wabash Ave., Joy Mart Party Supplies, East Los Angeles, 1997 ![]( "26577501")
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![St. Francis of Assisi, View east From Hammond at Buchanan, Detroit, 2009]()
St. Francis of Assisi, View east From Hammond at Buchanan, Detroit, 16 July 2009
![Former City Methodist Church 6th at Washington St., Gary, 1998]()
Former City Methodist Church 6th at Washington St., Gary, Indiana, 1998 (2009)
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Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church of Detroit, 12051 East Seven Mile Rd. Detroit, Jimmie Jackson Pastor, 2013 (via Light Box, 28 April 2014)
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Fellowship for Christ, Hamilton and Tuxedo, Detroit, 2013 (via Light Box, 28 April 2014)
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Excellent Praise Word Center with a blue circle where the clock used to be, 8101 Mack Ave., Detroit, 2013 (via Light Box, 28 April 2014)
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Former Woodward Avenue Presbyterian Church Abbyssinia built in 1911. The church became the Interdenominational Church at Woodward Ave. at Pingree, now it is a ruin. The Rev. Gary M. Douglas Jr. was the Pastor. Detroit, 2013 (via Light Box, 28 April 2014)
Former Werth's Appliance Center, State Street, Hammond, Indiana, 2000
La fascinación por ahondar en los contrastes urbanos de Camilo José Vergara nace de su experiencia personal antes que de su interés académico por la sociología, reconoce el fotógrafo. “Mi padre era de una familia muy rica que se las arregló para perder todo lo que tenía y a nosotros nos mantenían los parientes ricos, de modo que, desde pequeño, mi visión fue que las cosas siempre iban a empeorar”, señala. Esa perspectiva pesimista se reafirmó en el documentalista cuando llegó a Estados Unidos. “Visité las capitales del Medio Oeste y me pregunté cómo podía ser posible que los americanos que habían construido esas ciudades tan fantásticas, con unos edificios tan perfectos, los hubieran dejado destruirse”.
Esa inquietud llevó a Vergara a documentar con cámara la evolución de esa decrepitud y, también, en algunos casos, su recuperación y revitalización. “Mi trabajo no consiste en tomar imágenes de cosas bonitas. Yo no creo belleza, yo creo historias”, afirma el documentalista. Como si de un Monet moderno se tratara, Vergara regresa cada año -- y siempre que se lo permite su economía -- con sus lentes ópticas para refotografiar desde el mismo preciso lugar, la misma explanada desierta, el mismo muro, la misma calle para contar sus historias y captar su espíritu.
Camilo José Vergara, el fotógrafo del declive americano: Eva Sais, El País, 10 July 2013
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7316 South Broadway, 2014 (via The Guardian, 9 February 2015)
![7316 South Broadway, LA, 2012]()
7316 South Broadway, Los Angeles, 2012
![7316 South Broadway, LA, 2000]()
7316 South Broadway, Los Angeles, 2012
![7316 South Broadway, LA, 1999]()
7316 South Broadway, Los Angeles, 1999
![]()
7316 South Broadway, 1996 (via The Guardian, 9 February 2015)
![7316 Broadway, LA, 1992]()
Esa inquietud llevó a Vergara a documentar con cámara la evolución de esa decrepitud y, también, en algunos casos, su recuperación y revitalización. “Mi trabajo no consiste en tomar imágenes de cosas bonitas. Yo no creo belleza, yo creo historias”, afirma el documentalista. Como si de un Monet moderno se tratara, Vergara regresa cada año -- y siempre que se lo permite su economía -- con sus lentes ópticas para refotografiar desde el mismo preciso lugar, la misma explanada desierta, el mismo muro, la misma calle para contar sus historias y captar su espíritu.
Camilo José Vergara, el fotógrafo del declive americano: Eva Sais, El País, 10 July 2013
7316 South Broadway, 2014 (via The Guardian, 9 February 2015)
7316 South Broadway, Los Angeles, 2012
7316 South Broadway, Los Angeles, 2012
7316 South Broadway, Los Angeles, 1999
7316 South Broadway, 1996 (via The Guardian, 9 February 2015)
7316 South Broadway, Los Angeles, 1992
Former Honda dealership turned to Gospel Church According to Jesus Christ, East Monument Ave. at East Ave., Baltimore, 2002
Home of Life Missionary Baptist Church, 4650 West Madison St., Chicago, 2003
True Gospel Church of the Living God, 1855 Third Ave., Richmond, CA, 2004
Portable sign to advertise Sunday services, of Little Widow's Mite M. B. Church, placed on the Bronx temple. Seventh Day Adventist Church, where they rent space, Willis Ave. at E. 147th St., Bronx, 2004
29th St. at Thomson St., Philadelphia, 2004
1891 Washingon Ave., Bronx, 2001
San Toribio, Cristero, Nabors Market, Hooper Avenue at 88th St., Los Angeles, 7 April 2013
3344 Third Ave., Bronx, 1981
65 East 125th St., Harlem, 2014
65 East 125th St., Harlem, 2011
65 East 125th St., Harlem, 2009
Christ, Ruben's Body Shop, 4325 S. Avalon Blvd., LA, 2014
Sacred Heart Seminary, 2701 Chicago Avenue, Detroit, 1994 [2003]
Schaffer St. at Broadway, Brooklyn, 2008
All Nations Spiritual Church, Garfield Blvd. at S. Normal, Chicago, 1992
10828 South Avalon Blvd, Los Angeles, 1980 (via the Guardian, 9 February 2015)
10828 S. Avalon Blvd., Los Angeles, 1980
12107 Kinsman Ave., Cleveland, 2002
1600 N. Bond St., Baltimore, 2002
7123 S. Halsted St., Chicago, 1992
4344 West Madison St., Chicago, 2014
4344 West Madison St., Chicago, 2012 (via Time, 9 July 2013)
![4344 West Madison St., Chicago, 2011]()
4344 West Madison St., Chicago, 2011
![4344 West Madison St., Chicago, 2009]()
4344 West Madison St., Chicago, 2009
![4344 West Madison St., Chicago, 2003]()
4344 West Madison St., Chicago, 2003
4344 West Madison St., Chicago, 2011
4344 West Madison St., Chicago, 2009
4344 West Madison St., Chicago, 2003
4344 West Madison St., Chicago, 1994 (via Time, 9 July 2013
4344 West Madison St., Chicago, 1989
4344 West Madison St., Chicago, 1988
4344 West Madison St., Chicago, 1987
4344 West Madison St., Chicago, 1983
4344 West Madison St., Chicago, 1981 (via Light Box, 9 July 2013)
![1722 55th St., Oakland, CA, 2006]()
1722 55th St., Oakland, CA, 2006
![14849 Livernois Ave., Detroit, 2000]()
14849 Livernois Ave., Detroit, 2000
![6419 S. Crenshaw Blvd., Los Angeles, 1999]()
6419 S. Crenshaw Blvd., Los Angeles, 1999
1722 55th St., Oakland, CA, 2006
14849 Livernois Ave., Detroit, 2000
6419 S. Crenshaw Blvd., Los Angeles, 1999
3339 Third Ave., South Bronx. 2013
3339 Third Ave., South Bronx. 2009
3339 Third Ave., South Bronx. 2006
3339 Third Ave., South Bronx. 2003
3339 Third Ave., South Bronx, 1994
3344 Third Ave., Bronx, 1990
Pierre Gaspar, Street evangelist, St. Nicholas at West 116th St., Harlem, 2008
Street evangelist, SE corner of E. 125th St. at Lexington Ave., Harlem, 2007
"Satan, you are not longer my Lord." outdoor service of the New Creation Ministry, Sutter Ave., Brooklyn, 2003
Carrie and Archie, Malcolm X Blvd. at W. 125th St., Harlem, 2007
Baby Dorion outside the New Friendship M. B. Church, Harvey, Il., 2003
Deacon E. M. McGee, New Jerusalem Baptist Church, South Halsted Ave., Chicago, 1998
Pura and Juana singing at Senda de Bendicion, 506 Brook Ave., South Bronx, 2001
House of Blessings, 5440 S. State St., Chicago [between 1970 and 2009]
Anthony Ray, The Greater Temple of Praise, Snediker Ave., Brooklyn, 2002
Rev. Denson, Fellowship M. B. C. Church, 410 East 31st St., Los Angeles, 2002
Sunday service at Saint Martin's Spiritual Church, Utica Ave. at Prospect Pl., Brooklyn, 2002
Gospel Concert, Supernatural Deliverance Revival Tabernacle, 70 First Street, Newark, 2003
Lilly of the Valley Spiritual Church, singing "I really like my God, I do, I do," 48th Place at S. Princeton Ave., Chicago, 20o2
Charles on the wheel chair, Daphne wearing blue, Paloma, Hilda, and Nora sitting at the center, 11165 S. Central Ave., Los Angeles, 2014
![9036 South Ashland Ave., Chicago, 2014]()
9036 South Ashland Ave., Chicago, 12 January 2014
Mt. Lebanon Missionary Baptist Church, South Western Ave. between 96th and 97th Streets, Los Angeles, 2014
Sweet Kingdom Annex, Chene at Superior, Detroit, 21 October 2013
Former Broadway Trust Company, Broadway at Walnut St., Camden, New Jersey, 2003. The large classical building is now the St. James Apostolic Temple. It glows like a survivor from an ancient civilization.
View north along 7th St. towards Florence, Camden, New Jersey, 2005
McClellan at Goethe, Detroit, 3 June 2014. Nativity scene painted on the ruins of an apartment building. Berry, the postman, said, "The neighborhood is being blessed, the area is so bad that they could use a blessing." Kat, the lady that lives across the street hired a sign painter. The Goethe Building erected in 1924, is according to the postman "Not so much the eyesore that used to be" explaining that "The murals on it are about faith".
Crossover Inner City Gospel Ministry, Cass Ave. at Temple St., Detroit, 1994
Christ as a body builder; mural by Curtis Lewis, Gratiot, Detroit, 1995
Holy Bethel M. B. Church, Gary, Indiana, 1988
Salem Travellers Bus, Lawndale, Chicago, 1990
Way of Holiness Church, 5258 Indiana Avenue, Chicago, 2003
3029 Wabash Ave., Joy Mart Party Supplies, East Los Angeles, 1997
St. Rest M.B. Church, 3056-3058 West Polk St., Chicago [before2005] (from How the Other Half Worships, 2005, via Invincible Cities)
St. Rest M.B. Church, 3056 West Polk St., Chicago, 1980 (from How the Other Half Worships, 2005, via Invincible Cities)
Steadfast Baptist Church, Chicago [before 2005] (from How the Other Half Worships, 2005, via Invincible Cities)
St. Francis of Assisi, View east From Hammond at Buchanan, Detroit, 16 July 2009
Former City Methodist Church 6th at Washington St., Gary, Indiana, 1998 (2009)
Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church of Detroit, 12051 East Seven Mile Rd. Detroit, Jimmie Jackson Pastor, 2013 (via Light Box, 28 April 2014)
Fellowship for Christ, Hamilton and Tuxedo, Detroit, 2013 (via Light Box, 28 April 2014)
Excellent Praise Word Center with a blue circle where the clock used to be, 8101 Mack Ave., Detroit, 2013 (via Light Box, 28 April 2014)
All photos by Camilo José Vergara (b. Santiago, Chile, 1944) courtesy Camilo J. Vergara Collection, Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress