Aztec motel
I saw the Aztec motel flash by out of the corner of my eye riding on a city bus down route 66 in albuquerque new mexico. i got off the bus to take a closer look.
Passing through
the Aztec Motel was built in 1932 in Albuquerque, new mexico on central avenue, soon renamed Route 66. the Aztec was the oldest continuously operating motel on Route 66 in New Mexico until its demolition in 2011.
nobody seemed to be around when i was there. no carlos castenada at the front desk. it was hot and dry and all the window blinds were down. somebody inside looking outside watching. i felt a kinship with the unknown resident who did the exterior decorating. it took time and being a skilled scavenger with a point of view and a sense of humor. the place was bleached out raw. sunflowers and weeds, sadness inside. guilt depression loss, birthday cake, hard lives and good times.
to the end the Aztec was always a transient place. thousands of people slept in those rooms. passing through, cutting across america on the way to the coast, east or west. except the person that stayed and did the art on the walls. the urge for ornamentation. they probably called the place home • it’s a Route 66 ghost motel now.
passing through albuquerque 2010
this is what drew me to get off the bus and look closer • who does this • what were they up to • it’s more than kitch • this is someones soul on display • these are not idle placements of junk store cast offs • it is art to my mind • what a way to spend time • it drew me in • more so than the hotel california • this is tangible • there were ghosts here • I could feel them • there were no vacancies • everyone was here • shades were pulled • peepholes had eyes • guests with alcohol breath • at all times of day or night • I was intruding • on the route that got them here • inside the rooms life goes on.
good bye aztec motel • your bricks are dust • the ghosts of guests have scattered with the wind • this letter to you is all that remains.
mark paternostro • photographer