The Vernon Media Library in Eure, France, is hosting a captivating photography exhibition called "Urbexland," featuring the striking work of photographer Marie Micallef. The exhibition, which runs until December 17, 2025, presents a unique artistic perspective on abandoned places through the lens of urban exploration, known as "Urbex."
When most people think of abandoned factories, they immediately imagine walls covered in graffiti and damaged roofs that are hardly appealing to look at. However, Marie Micallef brings a completely different, poetic perspective to these places that have been deserted of all human life. Her work transforms forgotten industrial sites into compelling visual narratives that capture both beauty and melancholy.
Micallef's journey into urban exploration photography began in 2013 when a friend took her to visit a factory that had been closed for years. That initial visit sparked a fascination that would grow alongside countless questions: Why was this place abandoned? How long had it been empty? When did people last work in these buildings? Marie became deeply interested not just in the physical spaces, but in the stories of the people who once worked within these walls.
What started as casual visits without any photography soon evolved into something much more significant. "At first, I visited without taking photos, just for the pleasure of discovery. Actually, I had never taken photos other than souvenir shots, like most people do," Marie explains. "Then I started taking photos of the places I visited with my phone. Little by little, I learned to edit them slightly to give them the light and brilliance that my eye had recorded."
When she returned home from that first visit, Marie researched the topic and discovered that an entire world of passionate urban explorers had been thriving on social media for several years. Through visits and discoveries, what had begun as a simple hobby gradually transformed into a deep passion. "I love heritage, doing research to find out who lived in an abandoned castle or a ruined house, or why a factory closed down," Marie explains.
The world of Urbex, an acronym for urban exploration, is vast and diverse. Marie doesn't hesitate to travel across the countryside, keeping her eyes peeled for potential destinations. Her journeys have taken her as far as Germany and Italy, where large communities of urban explorers exist and connect through social media networks. These communities meet and expand their reach through online platforms, sharing discoveries and experiences.
Safety and respect are paramount in Marie's approach to urban exploration. "I never explore an abandoned place, whatever it may be, alone. We are very careful because we know we are entering private property that can be dangerous. We don't touch anything," she emphasizes. This ethical approach to urban exploration reflects the community's commitment to preserving these spaces while documenting their current state.
For Marie, the photography is only half of the creative process. "I take a lot of photos, and when I get home, a second job begins that is just as fascinating - researching the history of the place: Who? Why? When? I like to document a place and give it back a bit of its past life." This historical research adds depth to her photographic work, transforming simple images into comprehensive documentation of forgotten places and their stories.
Marie Micallef will be present at the Vernon Media Library on Saturday, November 22, from 2 PM to 5 PM, to answer questions and discuss her work with visitors. During this meet-and-greet session, she will be available to explain her techniques, share stories from her explorations, and provide insights into the world of urban photography.
While her passion for urban exploration hasn't yet become a substantial source of income, Marie is considering making it a more significant part of her livelihood. At the exhibition, she will be presenting artwork and calendars for sale, offering visitors the opportunity to take home pieces of her unique perspective on abandoned spaces. The exhibition remains open until December 17 during the media library's regular operating hours, giving the community ample opportunity to experience this fascinating intersection of photography, history, and urban archaeology.
