Brasília is known far and wide for its unique urban planning by Lúcio Costa and, unsurprisingly, modernist architecture that comes along with it by Oscar Niemeyer.

Taking into account the particularities of Niemeyer’s buildings, such as explicit concrete structures, geometric sharp angles, surprising curves and the sheer large scale and amplitude of each creation. The often-considered futuristic designs are no strangers to coffee table photography books, so it’s refreshing to see a masterful take of Brasília's iconic buildings with a minimalist and night-time twist.

Norway-based photographer Øystein Aspelund visited the modern capital of Brazil and managed to capture a fascinating collection of unlikely portraits of famous buildings with great expertise in shadow play; whilst making very clear how grand the scale is, towering over the lone human figures. The variety and eclecticism of textures and forms is exquisite, all the while achieving a clear minimalist visual composition.

Øystein showcases Brasília’s modernism with a night shade that covers the surrounding areas to expose the expressive and very authentic elements from each building. This is a great introduction for newcomers and an unusual take for locals and enthusiasts to behold. To simplify and reduce successfully is not an easy task at all and this series deserves every bit of praise it receives.