NORTH PERTH photographer Brad Serls chronicles the death of his suburb’s houses, documenting character homes as they enter their final days and face the bulldozer.
Having long carried a camera, he recently stumbled on a book about New York’s abandoned storefronts and it inspired him to start a record of his own area.
Paradise
“North Perth’s the largest inner-city suburb, with houses that have been around for over 100 years. It’s a photographer’s paradise out there,” he says.
Mr Serls, who works at a bike shop, often rides past these old places, keeping an eye out for buildings being abandoned, machinery rolling in, or demolition applications going to Vincent council.
“As soon as it looks like it’s about to go, I’m there, documenting its destruction.”
He’ll also come back after the bulldozer’s moved on, picking through the remains for signs of life. Old teddy bears are surprisingly common.
“When you’re pulling out the scraps and trying to find a remnant of something meaningful, you realise this isn’t just brick and mortar, this is hopes and dreams.
“It’s so weird: I’m actually becoming really connected to these houses. I’m looking at them in a totally different fashion. You do get a tear in your eye.
“When you ride past one every day and then it’s gone, and you know it’s never going to come back… to know I’ve got a photo is somewhat reassuring and comforting.”
When he first started, Mr Serls would’ve said he opposed the demolitions, but he’s re-examined his feelings and—while he’s connected to the old places—he’s not staging a protest.
“A lot of people have come to me and said: ‘Are you against the changes?’
Celebration
“It took me a while to realise: No. It’s not a protest of these houses being pulled down, it’s a celebration of their lives.”
Mr Serls is working towards an exhibition at the William Street Bird in November, and he’d like to start doing walking tours of some of his favourite houses and alleyways.
For now you can keep an eye on his work at http://www.housesof6006.com
by DAVID BELL
Perth Voice Interactive 
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