This work originated as the result of my experiences working at a school of architecture. While photographing architectural models I became intrigued with how the subject is made to appear believable through the combination of construction and rending; in this case the model and its photographic image.

All the places I’ve photographed are constructed to create an illusion – the illusion of habitability.  This deception is both mundane and profound because it is so familiar to our everyday lives.  As is the case with all illusions, the success of the deception relies on perspective.  In each instance, I’ve attempted to position the camera in such a way so as to both amplify and reveal this trick simultaneously.    The resulting paradox is intended to question the extent to which the world is configured to create illusions as well as photography’s complicity in these fictions.

–  Robert Burley, 1983