American Artifacts

Dive into a powerful visual narrative of inequality and resilience with American Artifacts—Matt Black’s poignant companion to his acclaimed American Geography. This striking monograph collects thousands of everyday objects found in America’s poorest communities, from lottery tickets and work gloves to family photos and medical paperwork. Each artifact tells a silent story of struggle, labor, and perseverance in regions where poverty rates exceed 20%. Featuring never-before-seen photographs and haunting collages, Black transforms discarded fragments into a moving archaeological portrait of the marginalized. Voices from the shadows of the "American Dream" add depth to this unflinching exploration of economic disparity. A must-have for documentary photography fans and social justice advocates, American Artifacts reveals the raw, overlooked truths of modern America.