Nothing Gold Can Stay by Matthew Ludak

Issue 179

Nothing Gold Can Stay is a documentary photography project that takes a closer look at how economic globalization has left its mark on former industrial cities and struggling small towns across America. Inspired in part by my own family history of living and working in a small coal mining town in Western Pennsylvania, this project delves deep into the intricate tapestry of economic desperation, resilience, beauty, and transformation that defines these often-overlooked corners of American society. Additionally, the project aims to draw attention to the environmental impact wrought by the steel and coal industries, examining the lasting consequences on the landscapes and communities that once thrived alongside these industrial giants.

The protagonists of the project are the small towns, cities, and rural communities that once hummed on the pulse of factories, mills, and mining. Nothing Gold Can Stay examines the interplay between economic shifts and the lives of those who have weathered the storms of change.

Streets once bustling with life now stand deserted, buildings once humming with activity now echo with silence, and rusty cars become relics of a vanished time. The photographs serve as an ode to the symbiotic relationship between physical space, culture, and history, offering viewers a glimpse into what make these places unique. By focusing on the present state of neglected areas, we are reminded of their once- idealized pasts. The worn-out parking lots, forgotten homes, empty storefronts, and abandoned factories stand as symbols of an America that has evolved over time.

At the heart of this work lies an exploration of the fleeting nature of beauty and the unwavering resilience of individuals in the face of adversity. The title itself, borrowed from Robert Frost's poem, encapsulates the essence of impermanence that underpins each photograph. Image by image, I seek to capture the timeless essence of these communities, revealing a quiet beauty in the still moments of everyday life.

Ultimately, this project serves as a reminder that within the ruins of the past lie seeds of renewal and growth. Nothing Gold Can Stay implores us to cherish the moments of quiet beauty that remain amidst the march of progress, and to honor the resilience of those who have faced adversity with unwavering grace.

Matthew Ludak (he/him) lives and works in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States.
www.matthewludak.com | @ludakiewicz