{"product_id":"american-geography-a-reckoning-with-a-dream","title":"American Geography: A Reckoning with a Dream","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003eAmerican Geography is a photographic journey across 46 states of the United States, Puerto Rico, by Magnum photographer Matt Black. The project explores the conditions of powerlessness, prejudice, and pragmatism among America's poor, focusing on designated poverty areas. Black's compelling black and white photographs are accompanied by his own travelogue, providing an eclectic combination of observations, conversations, and historical facts. The book highlights the isolation and segregation of poverty areas within the country, contrasting them with the perceived land of opportunity. \u003c\/blockquote\u003e\u003cp\u003e\n                                                            \u003cstrong\u003eFormat\u003c\/strong\u003e: Hardback\u003cbr\u003e\n                              \u003cstrong\u003eLength\u003c\/strong\u003e: 168 pages\u003cbr\u003e\n                              \u003cstrong\u003ePublication date\u003c\/strong\u003e: 30 September 2021\u003cbr\u003e\n                              \u003cstrong\u003ePublisher\u003c\/strong\u003e: Thames \u0026amp; Hudson Ltd\u003cbr\u003e\n                          \u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAmerican Geography is a captivating visual journey that captures the essence of photographer Matt Black's five-year, 100,000-mile road trip across 46 states of the United States, including Puerto Rico. This project delves into the profound realities of powerlessness, prejudice, and pragmatism experienced by the impoverished communities across America.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe project's origins can be traced back to Matt Black's personal exploration of his hometown in California's rural Central Valley, a region often referred to as \"the other California.\" Here, one-third of the population lives in poverty, highlighting the stark contrast between the prosperous and the marginalized. Determined to understand the complexities of poverty in the United States, Matt embarked on a journey in 2015, visiting designated \"poverty areas\" as defined by the US census.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhat he discovered was surprising: rather than being isolated anomalies, poverty areas are interconnected and scattered throughout the country. They are woven into the fabric of American society, yet they remain disconnected from the perceived \"land of opportunity.\" Matt's compelling black and white photographs, reminiscent of the works of FSA photographers from the 1930s and 1940s, such as Walker Evans and Dorothea Lange, serve as a powerful testament to the lives of the impoverished.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn addition to his photographs, Matt's travelogue adds depth and richness to the portrait of these \"states of un-America.\" It is an eclectic mix of observations, overheard conversations, diner menus, bus timetables, historical facts, and echoes from daily news reports. These elements enrich the visual narrative, providing a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by the impoverished and the systemic issues that contribute to their marginalization.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThroughout American Geography, Matt Black challenges viewers to confront their assumptions and stereotypes about poverty. His photographs and travelogue shed light on the human faces behind the statistics, revealing the resilience, strength, and dignity of those who struggle to make ends meet. The project serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of empathy, compassion, and social justice in addressing the systemic inequalities that perpetuate poverty in America.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWith 100 illustrations in vibrant color, American Geography offers a visual feast that complements the narrative. Each image captures a unique moment, conveying the emotions and experiences of the impoverished communities. The book also includes essays by renowned experts in the field, providing further insights and perspectives on the topic.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn conclusion, American Geography is a remarkable testament to the power of photography and storytelling to shed light on the realities of poverty in America. Through Matt Black's lens and his thoughtful travelogue, the project offers a poignant and thought-provoking exploration of the lives of the impoverished and the challenges they face. It serves as a call to action, urging individuals and society as a whole to address the systemic issues that perpetuate poverty and work towards creating a more equitable and just world.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\n                            \u003cstrong\u003eWeight\u003c\/strong\u003e: 1254g\n                            \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimension\u003c\/strong\u003e: 273 x 271 x 27 (mm)\n                            \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eISBN-13\u003c\/strong\u003e: 9780500545355\n                            \n                          \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Matt Black","offers":[{"title":"Hardback","offer_id":44105211576570,"sku":"9780500545355","price":32.13,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0522\/4297\/2845\/products\/c5f4727bad7cbaa56ae02668031d0549.jpg?v=1633141970","url":"https:\/\/shulphink.com\/products\/american-geography-a-reckoning-with-a-dream","provider":"Shulph Ink","version":"1.0","type":"link"}