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What does America’s heartland reveal about our national identity?
For many, the term “flyover country” evokes images of desolate landscapes and unremarkable towns. However, photographer Richard Sharum challenges this narrative through his transformative project, Spina Americana, which captures the essence of the heart of America. Over three years, Sharum journeyed through the "spine" of the U.S., a 100-mile-wide corridor stretching from the Canadian border to the Mexican border, encompassing diverse states like North Dakota, Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas.
Sharum's mission was twofold: to document the lives of those often overlooked and to explore the divisions that have permeated American society, particularly in recent years. Speaking to over 4,000 individuals, he amassed a staggering 14,000 photographs, reflecting the rich tapestry of life in America's heartland. This area, often marginalized in political and cultural conversations, plays a crucial role in shaping the nation's identity.
As he traversed this corridor, Sharum encountered a myriad of individuals, each with their own stories that together depict the struggles and resilience of American life. From farmers and ranchers to police officers and politicians, the heartland is home to a diverse community that continues to impact the fabric of American society. It is within these interactions that Sharum found a common thread uniting these disparate voices—a shared desire to be acknowledged and understood.
Sharum's choice to shoot in black and white serves a purposeful narrative. He explains, "Black and white allows me to strip down the essence of what I am trying to show without any distractions." This approach facilitates a focus on the humanity of his subjects, encouraging viewers to look beyond superficial differences and appreciate the underlying similarities that connect us all. Through this lens, he advocates for a deeper understanding of the people residing in areas often dismissed as irrelevant.
Throughout his travels, Sharum witnessed firsthand the anxieties and challenges faced by those in the heartland—issues like immigration, economic disparities, and social division. His reflections on these themes draw parallels to historical tensions within the United States, echoing sentiments from years leading up to the Civil War. Sharum states, "I have been increasingly interested and anxious about our national divisions and I feel I am not alone in this anxiety." His work serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of societal cohesion and the importance of listening to the voices of all Americans.
As we navigate a complex socio-political landscape, Sharum's Spina Americana offers not just a documentary of visuals but also a call-to-action. He hopes to inspire individuals to acknowledge their power in fostering national unity. "In the end, the only thing holding the line between our honor and the windblown dust of a collapsed empire, is us," he asserts. The message is clear: healing the rifts within our society is a shared responsibility.
In conclusion, Richard Sharum’s journey through America’s heartland transcends mere photography; it is an exploration of identity, resilience, and the urgent call for cohesion in a fractured nation. For those willing to look beyond the surface, the heartland holds invaluable insights into the American experience. Spina Americana is more than a collection of photographs; it is a mirror reflecting the diverse narratives of a country searching for connection in tumultuous times.
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