Sprawl

Despite the conformity, emptiness, and sameness of the suburbs, they have been a cultural hothouse for distinctly American art, according to these essays. They challenge stereotypes and pieties and argue that the suburbs deserve another look.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 10 September 2020
Publisher: Coffee House Press

For decades, the suburbs have been a breeding ground for artistic expression, defying the conformity, emptiness, and sameness that often characterize them. Time and time again, artists have found inspiration in the frustration and resentment they feel towards the suburbs, using it as a catalyst for creative transcendence. However, what if the suburbs have not only been a source of artistic inspiration but also an incubator for distinctly American art, just as significant as any other cultural hothouse? In these essays, we explore this idea by blending personal experience, cultural reportage, and history, challenging clichés and pieties and seeking to give the suburbs a fresh perspective.

We journey across the country, examining the diverse artistic landscape that has emerged from this uniquely American milieu. From the suburbs of New York City to the suburbs of Los Angeles, we discover artists who have taken advantage of the suburban environment to create works that reflect the complexities and contradictions of American life. We explore the ways in which the suburbs have provided a fertile ground for experimentation, creativity, and cultural exchange, fostering a community of artists who are pushing the boundaries of what is possible.

Despite the perception that the suburbs are a cultural wasteland, we argue that they deserve another look. The suburbs are a complex and dynamic landscape, full of potential and possibility. They are a place where people come together from different backgrounds and experiences, creating a rich tapestry of culture and creativity. By recognizing the suburb's potential as an artistic incubator, we can unlock a new understanding of the role that these communities play in shaping American culture and identity.

In conclusion, the suburbs have been a surprising and powerful source of artistic expression, defying the expectations and stereotypes that often surround them. These essays offer a glimpse into the diverse and dynamic artistic landscape that has emerged from this uniquely American milieu, challenging us to reevaluate our perceptions and recognize the suburbs as a valuable and important part of our cultural heritage.

Weight: 314g
Dimension: 140 x 207 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781566895828