Alexander Ingram: Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias

In the city of Valencia, in the country of Spain, lies an architectural marvel known as Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias (The City of Arts and Sciences). I visited this conglomeration of exhibits during my first major photography journey. It was also the first time I had been out of the United States as an adult. In my time in Spain I visited many wonderous locations. The Otzarreta Forest, Gaztelugatxe, The Montserrat, all unforgettable corners of the world. But none affected me personally more than Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias. It was here that I found the inspiration and courage to make what could be the most bold decision I have made in life so far. It was amongst these exhibits that I decide to go for a Physic’s degree, a decision that I have pursued for more than a year now.

I often think about the power a single place can have. As a photographer, I have been pulled to many place’s in the far west of the United States for the sole purpose of capturing a sought after photograph. I remember before I went to Spain I saw The City of Arts and Sciences in a photograph taken by another artist on the internet. I knew that one day I was going to visit it. Fast forward sometime after that, I had finally saved enough resource to go on my first big photography trip across the pond. Spain and The City of Arts and Sciences was at the top of the list. These 20 photos are an ode to a place that I hold near and dear, for in one short visit it literally changed my trajectory as a person. I think of it often, inspiring people over there thousands of miles away from me. I relish the next time I get the opportunity to walk its exhibits again.