Nothing Gold Can Stay is a documentary photography project examining how economic globalization has reshaped former industrial cities and small towns across America. Inspired by my family’s roots in a Western Pennsylvania coal town, the work traces intertwined narratives of economic hardship, environmental degradation, resilience, and cultural transformation in communities often reduced to political shorthand.
In a moment marked by widening inequality and ecological crisis, the project moves beyond simplified rhetoric to foreground lived experience. These post-industrial places—once animated by mills, mines, and factories—now bear the quiet evidence of transition. Empty storefronts, abandoned plants, and silent streets speak to both loss and endurance, revealing the fragile relationship between place, labor, and identity.
Borrowing its title from Robert Frost’s poem, the work reflects on impermanence while seeking quiet beauty in everyday moments. Within these altered landscapes lie not only scars, but the possibility of renewal—an invitation to see dignity and persistence where decline is too often assumed.
Artist Bios
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Matthew Ludak
Matthew Ludak is a documentary photographer whose work delves into contemporary social issues, including classism, de-industrialization, environmentalism, and economic stratification in the United States. With a BA from Drew University and an MFA from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Ludak melds his background in American history and English literature with a passionate commitment to socially engaged photography.
Ludak’s distinctive approach employs natural light and classical composition to highlight the dichotomy in how artists are able to depict difficult and troubling topics. His work has been exhibited and published both domestically and internationally, showcasing his talent at venues such as The Elliot Gallery in Amsterdam, Prix Maison Blanche 2024, Photo Marseille, the Head On Photo Festival in Sydney, Australia, and the Photography and Visual Arts Festival in Braga, Portugal.
His long-term project, “Nothing Gold Can Stay,” has garnered funding from the Puffin Foundation and was selected for the 2024 Critical Mass Top 50 by Photo Lucida.
Ludak has taught at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and currently resides in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he continues to explore the intersections of art and social justice through his photography and non profit work.
Organizations
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Photoville
Founded in 2011 in Brooklyn, NY, Photoville was built on the principles of addressing cultural equity and inclusion, which we are always striving for, by ensuring that the artists we exhibit are diverse in gender, class, and race.
In pursuit of its mission, Photoville produces an annual, city-wide open air photography festival in New York City, a wide range of free educational community initiatives, and a nationwide program of public art exhibitions.
By activating public spaces, amplifying visual storytellers, and creating unique and highly innovative exhibition and programming environments, we join the cause of nurturing a new lens of representation.
Through creative partnerships with festivals, city agencies, and other nonprofit organizations, Photoville offers visual storytellers, educators, and students financial support, mentorship, and promotional & production resources, on a range of exhibition opportunities.
For more information about Photoville visit, www.photoville.com
Nothing Gold Can Stay
Featuring: Matthew Ludak
Locations
View Location Details Download a detailed map of this location Brooklyn Bridge Park – Emily Warren Roebling Plaza1 Water St
Brooklyn, NY 11201
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The views and opinions expressed in this exhibit are those of the exhibition artists and partners and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Photoville or any other participants and partners of the Photoville Festival.
