Elegy, 2012-2016

Extent:
1.0 Linear Foot (1 box)
Scope and content:

The forty images in this series were taken by photographer Justin Kimball between 2012 and 2016 in unnamed small towns and rural locations in New York State, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania, places whose cultural fabric and economic livelihood have been deeply affected by 20th century deindustrialization. Chiefly taken in winter, the images document the impact of the decline in the coal, steel, lumber, and paper industries, and farming, and the survivors of this era, showing working class neighborhoods, streetscapes, storefronts, abandoned houses and industrial sites, railroad tracks, and people gathered on streets and porches, leaning out of windows, and playing ball games.

From the artist's statement: "The pictures I made in these towns are of the people who live there now, their homes, backyards, the streets and the buildings that once supplied the town its livelihood and economy. While the pictures are about a specific region, they also point to a growing invisible, yet ubiquitous, part of the American landscape. The body of work is meant to pose questions about what happens when things get hard; these are questions about struggle, hope and what it is to be human. These are always important questions, but in the wake of the 2016 election cycle they are, if possible, even more critical."

A printed inventory, full artist's statement, and biography are in the box with the prints.

Physical facet:
40 photographic prints
Dimensions:
13x19 inches

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Collection is open for research. Images may only be used for educational, non-commercial purposes; any other use requires the photographer's permission.

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