Anthony Hernandez Pictures for Rome

"Anthony Hernandez's Pictures for Rome (1998-99), made while he was a fellow at the American Academy, make no reference to any iconic images of that historic city and its famous edifices. Instead, these elegantly disturbing color photographs examine what could be considered a series of unofficial urban monuments composed from the distressed architectural elements and detritus found inside abandoned buildings. It may seem like an exaggeration to speak of the monumental aspect of such lost and lowly artifacts, but Hernandez's photographs prompt us to view the things he shows us with fascination, deference, and even, on occasion, awe...."--Ralph Rugoff