Bill Owens: Suburbia
Utilizing a straightforward and
direct photographic style, Bill Owens
documented the customs, symbols
and social dynamics of various
northern California housing
developments.
Bill Owens, Untitled.
From the series “Suburbia”, 1973.
Gelatin-silver print, 7 x 9 inches.
Image courtesy of the artist and Robert Koch Gallery.
© Bill Owens
With an eye for humor, Owens confirmed assumptions of its perceived banality, uniformity and careless comfort, but tempered them with empathetic attention to the unexpected beauty, uniqueness and anxieties that are equally part of
suburban life.
Accompanying quotations from the individuals in the images describe the opportunities and challenges of everyday life in their new environments. Pairing a seemingly objective visual style with subjective statements of lived experiences he pinpointed the tensions that exist at the intersection of the American dream and reality.
Bill Owens: Suburbia
May 17 – Sept. 7, 2014
at Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art
7380 E. Second St., Scottsdale
Bill Owens, I enjoy giving a Tupperware party in my home. It gives me a chance to talk to my friends.
But really, Tupperware is a homemaker's dream, you save time and money because your food keeps longer.
From the series “Suburbia”, 1973. Gelatin-silver print, 7 x 9 inches.
Image courtesy of the artist and Robert Koch Gallery. © Bill Owens
Bill Owens, I put my hair up once or twice a week. Bill Owens, We had a ball on the Fourth of July.
It's the only way I can get curls in it. When it's The whole neighborhood came out for the parade.
combed out, I'm willing to be seen in public. From the series “Suburbia”, 1973. Gelatin-silver print, 7 x 9 inches.
From the series “Suburbia”, 1973. Gelatin-silver print, 7 x 9 inches. Image courtesy of the artist and Robert Koch Gallery. © Bill Owens
Image courtesy of the artist and Robert Koch Gallery. © Bill Owens
Bill Owens, Our house is built with the living room in the back, so in the evening we sit out front
of the garage and watch the traffic go by.
From the series “Suburbia”, 1973. Gelatin-silver print, 7 x 9 inches.
Image courtesy of the artist and Robert Koch Gallery. © Bill Owens
