The Cities of the Dead: Archives of Memory (2013)

This black-and-white documentary series examines the historic above-ground cemeteries across New Orleans, culturally referred to as the "Cities of the Dead." Developed out of geographic necessity due to the city's high water table, these neoclassical and gothic tombs serve as monumental archives of Spanish, French, and Creole cultural heritage. Stripped of color, the photographs explore the contemporary landscape through an archival lens, highlighting the textures of weathered stone and sacred monuments. The project reflects on the endurance of collective memory and the silent coexistence of life and history.

For Photo Editors & Curators:
This 10-image gallery is a curated preview of a complete, unpublished black-and-white visual essay captured in New Orleans in 2013, titled "The Cities of the Dead: Archives of Memory." The series features neoclassical/gothic cemetery architecture and atmospheric details. Submitted for consideration at the Sony World Photography Awards 2026. The full, authentic 2013 archive is available for exclusive publication.

Request Access to the Full Archive: lebedevaphotography@gmail.com

For Art Collectors & Corporate Buyers:
Photographs from Cities of the Dead series are available as limited-edition, museum-quality fine art prints, produced to order on archival papers. Each piece is signed, numbered, and accompanied by an official Certificate of Authenticity shipped directly from the author's studio to guarantee its investment value. To discuss available framing options, custom sizing, and current pricing tailored to your collection or space, please contact the studio directly.

Inquire About Limited-Edition Prints: lebedevaphotography@gmail.com