Old mine workers drink and argue in a bar at around 10 in the morning in Petrosani, Romania.

Old mine workers drink and argue in a bar at around 10 in the morning in Petrosani, Romania.

Genius Loci’ is an ongoing documentary photography project that aims to define the quintessential spirit of the Jiu Valley, Romania.  While searching for this spirit, the only thing that can clearly be defined is the empty spot it left behind as it left the area and in the people who live there.
The valley has seen non-stop social and economic growth since the 1840s when coal was discovered in the area until the mid-90s when the shifting markets made them unable to sustain competitive prices on the international market. The mines started closing and the way of life that has been the norm in the area started to fade. As the economy gets worst  and most of the mines are closed or in the process of closing nothing seems to come up to replace them.
The investments in tourism have dried up recently due to political reasons. Half-completed ski-lifts and hotels lie crumbling on the surrounding mountains before they ever open. In the valleys houses and mines crumble as well. The whole valley  is silent. There are no sounds of industry, no distant rumble in the distance, and people seem to lie and wait for it to come back, or for something to replace it.

Gabriel Amza
V-Photo Agency