There's just something about the 'Accidental Brutalism' architecture of shopping malls that just screams competitive consumption and public spankings. Whatever it is, Jefferson Mall in southern Louisville is a classic example.
Surrounded by acres and acres of asphalt parking lots, broken up only by the occasional fenced off pond or chain restaurant, this 20th century temple of the consumer spending gods exudes an air of artificiality and inhospitality.
I'd be screaming too if I had to call this home. Once inside was quickly reminded of why I normally avoid malls, there's nothing there. Plenty of shops, stands, and kiosks, all selling lots of stuff.
Everything you need to support your favorite brand or sportsball team, but not much that you actually need. Well, unless you've got money burning a hole in your pocket, then it may just be custom made for you.
Some things never change. Couldn't help but chuckle at the abundance of things to get kids screaming 'I want!' Seemed like a proper minefield for parents with small children, gumball machines, crane games, and kiosks selling candy galore.
Had headed to the mall without a clear idea of what I was aiming to shoot but as always the people proved to be the most interesting part of the scene. Mall security seemed to find me just as interesting, kept me company for much of my wandering so it seemed best to be covert with the street photography.
Still have two more malls to go before I'm finished with my recon of DisMall Land but I'm starting to get a better picture of what I'm dealing with. No closer to understanding what drives people to frequent places like this, will have to investigate further.
Well, other than to get together and stare at their phones.
