Summary of Vegas Noir
Vegas Noir: Urban Aesthetics in Deep Monochrome by Andrew Hall is a visual anthology that began amidst the solitude of the 2021 pandemic. This ongoing project captures the vibrant nightlife of Las Vegas, preserving moments in thousands of meticulously curated images. Presented in stark black and white, this series highlights the beauty and mysterious allure of the urban scene. Each photo and video offers a glimpse into the unique atmosphere of Las Vegas after dark. My aim is to convey the essence of city life, seen through the lens of my personal experiences and artistic vision.
History of Vegas Noir
The history of Vegas Noir started long before I came up with the name. I’ve been shooting photography for years, and through my interest in post-apocalyptic aesthetics, I began trying to capture the essence of how the world would look in the aftermath of a nuclear holocaust. While developing this into Atomic Desert: Visions of the Apocalypse, I discovered that much of the content I was capturing fell neatly into a more precise genre: Neo-Noir, Chiaroscuro, and High-Contrast Monochrome. Since the majority of my images were shot in Downtown Las Vegas, and we were in the middle of a pandemic, I launched Vegas Noir in early 2021 to focus specifically on this cinematic, shadowy aesthetic.
Vegas Noir Mission
The core mission of Vegas Noir is to delve into the visual interplay between light and shadow, utilizing the stark contrasts of black and white to reveal the underlying essence of urban environments. From the neon-soaked alleys of Fremont Street to the industrial shadows of the Arts District, Las Vegas serves as the perfect canvas for this endeavor. Beyond the entertainment and opulence that draw millions, there lies a lesser-seen side of the city—gritty street scenes and obscure corners where life hangs in delicate balance. For collectors and art directors, this collection offers a unique, unvarnished perspective of the city.
Artistic Influences of Vegas Noir
Vegas Noir draws deeply from the visual and thematic elements of the 1940s film noir genre, marked by its dramatic interplay of light and shadow, and its focus on urban mystery and moral ambiguity. Iconic films such as Casablanca, The Maltese Falcon, and Gaslight provide a foundational aesthetic and emotional blueprint for the project.
Beyond these cinematic influences, the project is shaped by the works of photographers who have expertly captured the essence of urban landscapes through black and white photography. Among these, Lucien Hervé stands out, with his architectural photography that captures the interplay of light and structure, highlighting geometric forms and human elements within urban landscapes. Learn more about Lucien Hervé’s work here.
Architecture plays a pivotal role in framing the daily life and drama of the city, a theme reflected in the work of Berenice Abbott, whose documentation of New York City transformed the depiction of its urban environment. Abbott’s photographs capture not only the city’s architectural beauty but also the spirit of its transformation, echoing the noir theme of uncovering hidden depths. Discover more about Berenice Abbott’s contributions here.
The combined influences of these films and photographers guide the aesthetic and narrative approach of Vegas Noir, unveiling the hidden beauty and grit of Las Vegas through a lens that is both classic and distinctly personal.
About the Artist
Andrew’s work is defined by a mastery of high-contrast monochrome techniques, stripping away the distraction of color to reveal the “bones” of Las Vegas. His limited edition noir prints are sought after by collectors and interior designers looking for a sophisticated, timeless interpretation of the city’s history.
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