«Theaters» is an extensive project undertaken in 2006 by Yves Marchand & Romain Meffre, born respectively in 1981 and 1987. In 2005, the French duo came across their first abandoned American movie theater when they started working on the ruins of Detroit.
Through «Theaters», Yves Marchand & Romain Meffre establish a typology. They first photograph the main auditoriums that have fallen in ruins. Some are still faintly lit or benefit natural light whereas others are in absolute darkness. They then explored the different spaces surrounding the main room and venture in spaces forbidden to the public. Yves Marchand & Romain Meffre’s documentary work reaches a new height when they come across movie theaters that have been transformed or refurbished.
In order to capture the magnificence of the American movie theaters’ décor, which is influenced by a blend of Italian, Baroque and Art Deco architecture, Yves Marchand & Romain Meffre use a 4x5 in. camera. Their process requires strength and precision, especially when the room is plunged in complete darkness. They resort to long exposures during which they lit certain details with handheld flashlights. This method is reminiscent of the technique used by German photographer Karl Hugo Schmölz during the interwar period - he photographed dark movie theaters along the Ruhr.

Theaters - Yves Marchand & Romain Meffre
From May 26th to August 5th, 2012
Polka Galerie
12 rue Saint-Gilles
75003 Paris