American Studies, 1968-2009

Extent:

1.5 Linear Feet (3 boxes)
41.8 Gigabytes (115 TIFF files)

Scope and content:

These images taken during road trips throughout the United States were selected by photographer Jim Dow for his published book, American Studies (2011). They are sequenced in the order in which they appear in the book; the first image appears on the cover.

The first two dozen or so images are in black-and-white and represent some of Dow's earliest work; the rest are in color. They document vernacular creations such as sculptures, signs, murals, and shrines; roadside architecture and advertising; food trucks and concession stands; small and large sports venues; and other expressions of U.S. regional culture. In memory of one of Jim Dow's most influential mentors, the photographer chose as the last image in this portfolio a portrait of Walker Evans at Dow's kitchen table, 1970.

Original titles and negative identifiers were created by the photographer.

Material specific details:

The archival pigment photographs in this series were printed by Jim Dow in July and August 2020, using an Epson P5000 printer and Canson Baryta Photographique II paper. The smaller handling print sizes are: sheet size, 8½x11 inches; image size, 8x10 inches. The larger exhibit-quality prints are: sheet size, 13x19 inches; image size, 12x15 inches.

Physical facet:

216 prints (108 unique images)

Contents

Using These Materials