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Paris Roof Tops: Capturing the city of love from above

The photographs in the Paris Roof Tops series by Michael Wolf are part of the artist's documentation of "architecture and the vernacular culture of metropolises".

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All images courtesy of Michael Wolf

All images courtesy of Michael Wolf

The layering of chimneys and contrasting colours against harsh, irregular lines, are reminiscent of L. S. Lowry's depiction of the industrial towns of North West England in the mid-twentieth century. However the apparent elements of French architecture in Wolf's work are a far cry from the red brick terraces of Lowry's Lancastrian scenes.

The sheer amount of detail captured in each image is overwhelming, and even after several viewings new pieces of narrative emerge – whether it be a patch of water damage, or an obscured work of graffiti, adding further depth and interest.

Wolf has long been occupied with "mega cities". Born in Munich, Germany, he now lives in Hong Kong after growing up in Canada, Europe and America. His work has been exhibited all over the world, including at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and the San Jose Museum of Art in California. To date, the photographer has published 13 books.

If you're a fan of this series then check out Wolf's website for more from Hong Kong and Tokyo.

Via Yellowtrace

Parisian rooftops with steeply angled zinc mansard roofs, terracotta chimneys and weathered white facades creating a geometric pattern of contrasting textures and lines
Parisian rooftop featuring multiple black and brown cylindrical chimneys and ventilation pipes arranged across weathered concrete surfaces, with white-walled buildings visible beyond
Aerial view of Parisian rooftops showing multiple rows of terracotta chimneys arranged on weathered concrete and grey slate surfaces with patches of moss and discoloration
Aerial view of Parisian rooftops showing densely packed stone buildings with varied architectural features, chimneys and metal railings
Aerial view of Parisian rooftops featuring terracotta and black chimneys arranged in graphic patterns against weathered concrete and white walls
Aerial view of densely packed Parisian rooftops featuring pale stone and cream-coloured buildings with dark slate and metal roofs, chimneys and dormer windows
Aerial view of Parisian rooftops with slate and zinc mansard roofs, stone walls, and rows of terracotta chimneys stacked across multiple levels
Aerial view of overlapping Parisian rooftops with terracotta chimneys, weathered facades and patches of moss-covered stone creating a complex patchwork pattern
Dense Parisian rooftops featuring stacked chimneys, water tanks, satellite dishes and irregular architectural elements in grey and terracotta tones
Aerial view of densely packed Parisian rooftops with varied architectural styles, chimneys and zinc-coloured roofs
Densely packed Parisian rooftops featuring terracotta chimneys, concrete structures and varied architectural styles viewed from directly above
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