This Land

Motivated by the profound impact of the 9/11 attacks, photographer Jack Spencer embarked on a poignant journey in 2003 to capture the essence of America and gain clarity on the nation's identity at that moment in time. Covering forty-eight states and traversing eighty thousand miles over thirteen years, Spencer's odyssey resulted in "This Land," an extraordinary portrayal of the American landscape, both contemporary and timeless. Featuring around one hundred and forty photographs, the collection spans the nation from Key West to Death Valley, presenting a strikingly fresh perspective on America. Spencer's images, ranging from monochromatic and distressed black-and-white to oversaturated color, evoke the spirit of American masters like Edward Hopper, Grant Wood, Mark Rothko, and Albert Bierstadt. The rich variety of landscapes, iconic locations, and a pictorialist vision reminiscent of Woody Guthrie and Jack Kerouac make "This Land" a captivating exploration of the diverse and mythic dimensions of America. Jon Meacham, in the foreword, notes that Spencer's surprising images reveal a real and present mythical world, challenging preconceptions about the disappearing aspects of American life.