Opening May 18 at Sathorn's Jam bar and gallery, Abandonia is an exhibition by Bangkok-based American photographer Dax Ward, who over the years has documented abandoned urban spaces all over Thailand.

 

According to the 38-year-old Arkansas native, these haunting photographs of urban "graveyards"—from a decrepit nightclub in Pattaya to the infamous water-logged New World Mall in Bangkok—serve as a reminder of “what once was, what might’ve been, and what happens when we forget.” 

 

Yet, amid the rubble and decay of these one-time attractions, there is something captivating. “They are not as they once were, nor will they ever again be. If we look closely, it isn’t hard to find [beauty]” Dax says in his artist statement for the exhibition.

 

Abandonia will show at Jam (41 Charoen Rat Soi 1, 083-5451-833. BTS Surasak) from May 18-Jun 8 with an opening reception from 7pm on May 18. See the Facebook event page and get a sneak peek of some of the photos below.