Ruins: Architecture of Time
March 22 - June 1, 2002

18th Century etchings, pre-Victorian engravings and contemporary photographs and drawings of magnificent remains of the ancient and modern world.

Time is an architect. It sculpts stone into any form it finds rational. It changes economies on a whim to transform buildings for new uses. And it lets war destroy the magnificent only to be replaced with the mundane.

Time also leaves us beautiful remnants from past cities: former temples and broken castles, roofless churches and silent grandstands.

The etchings of Piranesi were known around the world and inspired the construction of fake ruins called follies on the grounds of England's stately homes. Ancient forums, pyramids and theatres have been preserved in their glorious decay only to be surrounded by modern skyscrapers and auto traffic.

ArchiTech has assembled an extraordinary collection of 18th century etchings and engravings, 19th century photographs and contemporary prints and drawings that chronicle the architectural wonders that time has left in its wake.

Photographs of Mayan cities and Egyptian tombs by John Kimmich will contrast with modern views by Alex Fradkin of Chicago's Cabrini Green public housing towers, captured in their death throes.

Ruins: Architecture of Time opens Friday, March 22nd, and continues through Saturday, June 1st, 2002