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I find a sense of freedom in the suburbs... You assume the mask of suburbia for outward appearances and yet no one knows what you really do.
I find a sense of freedom in the suburbs... You assume the mask of suburbia for outward appearances and yet no one knows what you really do.

I find a sense of freedom in the suburbs... You assume the mask of suburbia for outward appearances and yet no one knows what you really do.

Portfolio TitleSuburbia
Artist Bill Owens (American, born 1938)
Dateca. 1972; printed 1998
MediumGelatin silver print
DimensionsUnframed: 10 x 8 inches (25.4 x 20.32 cm)
Credit LineGift of Robert Koch in honor of the 75th anniversary of The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
Object number2007.54.4
SignedVerso: artist's signature in pencil; photographer's stamp: "Copyright Bill Owens/ Publishers Copy/ Printed 1998"
Edition/State/Proofed. 1/5
On View
Not on view
Collections
DescriptionCouple seated in front of contemproary painting.
Portfolio; These prints were made in 1998 at the time of the publication of a new (expanded) edition of the original Suburbia book.
Copyright© Bill Owens
Information about a particular artwork or image, including provenance information, is based upon historic information and may not be currently accurate or complete. Research on artwork and images is an ongoing process, and the information about a particular artwork or image may not reflect the most current information available to the Museum. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about a particular artwork or image, please e-mail provenance@nelson-atkins.org.


I enjoy the suburbs. They provide Girl Scouts, PTA, LIttle League, and soccer for my kids. the thing I miss most is Black cultural identity for my family. White middle-class suburbia can't supply that.
I enjoy the suburbs. They provide Girl Scouts, PTA, LIttle League, and soccer for my kids. the thing I miss most is Black cultural identity for my family. White middle-class suburbia can't supply that.
Bill Owens
ca. 1972; printed 1998
2007.54.24
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.
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.
Bill Owens
ca. 1972; printed 1998
2007.54.35
One of the joys of living in the suburbs is taking care of your own lawn.
One of the joys of living in the suburbs is taking care of your own lawn.
Bill Owens
ca. 1972; printed 1998
2007.54.3
Because we live in the suburbs we don't eat too much Chinese food. It's not available in the supermarkets so on Saturday we eat hot dogs.
Because we live in the suburbs we don't eat too much Chinese food. It's not available in the supermarkets so on Saturday we eat hot dogs.
Bill Owens
ca. 1972; printed 1998
2007.54.26
We've been collecting rocks since 1958. It's enjoyable to get out into the open and hunt for rocks, and it's really fun to cut open a rock and find a gem inside.
We've been collecting rocks since 1958. It's enjoyable to get out into the open and hunt for rocks, and it's really fun to cut open a rock and find a gem inside.
Bill Owens
ca. 1972; printed 1998
2007.54.85
There is nothing to do in Suburbia.
There is nothing to do in Suburbia.
Bill Owens
ca. 1972; printed 1998
2007.54.100
The California garage today, out of necessity, requires that you move the cars out and the tools in. To a point I enjoy working in the garage, but I'd rather be doing something else.
The California garage today, out of necessity, requires that you move the cars out and the tools in. To a point I enjoy working in the garage, but I'd rather be doing something else.
Bill Owens
ca. 1972; printed 1998
2007.54.18
This isn't what we really want-the tract house, the super car, etc....But as long as we are wound up in this high speed environment, we will probably never get out of it!
This isn't what we really want-the tract house, the super car, etc....But as long as we are wound up in this high speed environment, we will probably never get out of it!
Bill Owens
ca. 1972; printed 1998
2007.54.20
Once you hit the Freeway you can be in San Francisco in forty minutes.
Once you hit the Freeway you can be in San Francisco in forty minutes.
Bill Owens
ca. 1972; printed 1998
2007.54.116
Every year I go to my mother-in-law's for Thanksgiving and every year I swear I'll never do it again. But I always do, do it again.
Every year I go to my mother-in-law's for Thanksgiving and every year I swear I'll never do it again. But I always do, do it again.
Bill Owens
ca. 1972; printed 1998
2007.54.106
I have all the cares of home ownership and the privacy of apartment living. We have an investment in the house. So I find myself doing all the undesirable chores to protect our investment.
I have all the cares of home ownership and the privacy of apartment living. We have an investment in the house. So I find myself doing all the undesirable chores to protect our investment.
Bill Owens
ca. 1972; printed 1998
2007.54.86
I really love him.
I really love him.
Bill Owens
ca. 1972; printed 1998
2007.54.99