The Quiet Power of Steven Seidenberg’s Photography: Forgotten Places, Hidden Stories

In this interview, I speak with artist, poet, and philosopher Steven Seidenberg about the ideas and observations that shape his deeply thoughtful body of work. We explore his latest book, The Architecture of Silence: Abandoned Lives of the Italian South, which documents the aftermath of Italy’s post-war land reform program (Riforma Fondiaria) between 1952 and 1972. Funded by the Marshall Plan, the initiative aimed to support impoverished families but ultimately failed due to a lack of infrastructure—triggering mass migration to the industrial North and leaving behind haunting, abandoned structures scattered across the southern countryside. Seidenberg reflects on how these silent remnants carry stories of displacement, resilience, and forgotten history.

Our discussion also touches on his unique ability to notice and elevate the overlooked—the quiet beauty and meaning hidden in everyday objects and spaces. I was particularly fascinated by his series The Plastic Flowers of Staglieno, where he shares the origins of the project and the layers behind these seemingly simple subjects. He also gives insight into earlier and ongoing works, including Pipevalve: Berlin (Lodima Press, 2017) and his forthcoming project Kanazawa Vacancy.

This interview offers a rich look into an artist who uses photography not just to capture images, but to reveal what often goes unseen—bringing attention to forgotten places, histories, and narratives with sensitivity and depth. I truly love his approach and the quiet power of his work.

https://www.stevenseidenberg.com/artwork