Abandoned in Place is a photographic exploration of the American space-launch and research facilities that shaped the early era of space exploration. Roland Miller blends documentary, abstract, and hybrid imagery to capture a disappearing chapter of both the space race and the Cold War, revealing the impermanence of our world through the lens of these iconic sites that once captured the attention of the entire world. The facilities depicted trace one of the twentieth century's most significant technological endeavors—from the first uncrewed flights beyond the atmosphere to the lunar landings. The abandoned structures evoke ancient sites like Pyramids, Chichen Itza, and Stonehenge, suggesting alternate futures, had the nuclear threat posed by the Cold War materialized. Moving beyond official government documentation, Miller preserves these spaces through bold imagery that offers social, historical, and artistic insight.

About The Artist

A Chicago native, Miller earned his B.F.A. and M.F.A. in photography from Utah State University. He taught at Brevard Community College in Cocoa, Florida, then at the College of Lake County in Grayslake, Illinois, where he later became Dean of the Communication Arts, Humanities & Fine Arts division. After retiring as Dean Emeritus in 2018, he devoted himself full-time to photography. Miller has published four books about America's space history, exhibited internationally, and is included in numerous public and private collections including the Museum of Contemporary Photography, Chicago, IL; the NASA Art Collection, Washington, DC; and the Utah Museum of Fine Arts, University of Utah. His work is featured in many publications including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and National Geographic UK.