By Mark McConville
THE HAUNTING beauty of buildings left abandoned in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina has been revealed in a new book.
Incredible images show containers of human body parts left in the pathology lab of Charity Hospital, houses that were part of Camp Algiers – a former Nazi internment camp and inside a massive five-storey power plant.
Other striking shots show a courtyard in an abandoned nursing home destroyed by Hurricane Katrina, an abandoned high school auditorium and the autopsy amphitheatre of Charity Hospital.
The remarkable photographs are showcased in Leland Kent’s new book, Abandoned New Orleans, published by Barnes and Noble.
“Often off limits to the public, abandoned photography offers a glimpse into the beautiful urban ruins that are left behind,” reads the blurb.
“New Orleans faced a daunting reconstruction after having endured one of the worst storms ever on record in 2005. Hurricane Katrina caused levees to fail, releasing billions of gallons of water throughout New Orleans and surrounding parishes. The catastrophic flooding destroyed or damaged over 200,000 homes and displaced more than 800,000 citizens.
“Fourteen years after the storm, there are still thousands of abandoned properties across the city. As the neighbourhoods rebuild, many historic structures become renovated, demolished, or simply forgotten.
“In Abandoned New Orleans, photographer Leland Kent provides an extraordinary look at eight historic and abandoned locations. From a hospital where patients and staff were trapped during the storm, to a long forgotten Nazi internment camp, and the first high school built for African-American students.
“Each chapter gives an in-depth look at these places accompanied by a gallery of stunning imagery.”
Leland Kent’s book, Abandoned New Orleans, published by Barnes and Noble, is available now. Signed copies can be purchased directly from his website – www.abandonedsoutheast.com
