Southern Lens: Elevating the Ordinary

This photo essay examines the South in its complexity through images of landscapes, agriculture, and daily life. The photographs included range from historical, documentary works of the earlier 20th century to recent contemporary images that touch on issues including identity formation and the environment. Each of the included photographers shares a certain affinity with photographer William Eggleston’s southern sensibility or democratic approach to taking photographs. Eggleston creates work based on the belief that any and all subjects are equally worthy of capturing. Nothing is considered too insignificant. Much the same way, each of the photographers in this essay elevate and transform the ordinary to their advantage. This process allows for the examination of deeper cultural narratives and for imaginative possibilities.