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I believe in women's liberation. I'm tired of the image of the woman who has the most sanitary toilet bowl, the cleanest floor, and the brattiest kids as the supermother.
I believe in women's liberation. I'm tired of the image of the woman who has the most sanitary toilet bowl, the cleanest floor, and the brattiest kids as the supermother.

I believe in women's liberation. I'm tired of the image of the woman who has the most sanitary toilet bowl, the cleanest floor, and the brattiest kids as the supermother.

Portfolio TitleSuburbia
Artist Bill Owens (American, born 1938)
Dateca. 1972; printed 1998
MediumGelatin silver print
DimensionsUnframed: 8 x 10 inches (20.32 x 25.4 cm)
Credit LineGift of Robert Koch in honor of the 75th anniversary of The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
Object number2007.54.50
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
DescriptionWoman seated on couch with young child and baby.
Portfolio; These prints were made in 1998 at the time of the publication of a new (expanded) edition of the original Suburbia book.Exhibition History

Magnificent Gifts for the 75th. The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City, MO, February 13 - April 4, 2010, no cat.

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 cooking, dogs, cats, kids, soccer, and living here.
I enjoy cooking, dogs, cats, kids, soccer, and living here.
Bill Owens
ca. 1972; printed 1998
2007.54.1
I bought the Doughboy pool for David and the kids and now no one wants to take the responsibility for cleaning it.
I bought the Doughboy pool for David and the kids and now no one wants to take the responsibility for cleaning it.
Bill Owens
ca. 1972; printed 1998
2007.54.83
I love to cook. Meal time is the only time the family is together. In spite of my modern kitchen, cooking dinner for six takes two hours. Then the kids inhale the food in minutes.
I love to cook. Meal time is the only time the family is together. In spite of my modern kitchen, cooking dinner for six takes two hours. Then the kids inhale the food in minutes.
Bill Owens
ca. 1972; printed 1998
2007.54.25
This is our outdoor garage sale...last minute kids' items for Christmas shoppers.
This is our outdoor garage sale...last minute kids' items for Christmas shoppers.
Bill Owens
ca. 1972; printed 1998
2007.54.17
We're really happy. Our kids are healthy, we eat good food, and we have a really nice home.
We're really happy. Our kids are healthy, we eat good food, and we have a really nice home.
Bill Owens
ca. 1972; printed 1998
2007.54.33
My kids love soccer and this is Saturday morning before the game.
My kids love soccer and this is Saturday morning before the game.
Bill Owens
ca. 1972; printed 1998
2007.54.69
Washing cars is a great way for a group of kids to make some money.
Washing cars is a great way for a group of kids to make some money.
Bill Owens
ca. 1972; printed 1998
2007.54.97
I put my hair up once or twice a week. It's the only way I can get curls in it. When it's combed out, I'm willing to be seen in public.
I put my hair up once or twice a week. It's the only way I can get curls in it. When it's combed out, I'm willing to be seen in public.
Bill Owens
ca. 1972; printed 1998
2007.54.76
Before the dissolution of our marriage my husband and I owned a bar. One day a toilet broke and we brought it home.
Before the dissolution of our marriage my husband and I owned a bar. One day a toilet broke and we brought it home.
Bill Owens
ca. 1972; printed 1998
2007.54.87
I believe in strict discipline of my children, but they also deserve the right of self-explanation.
I believe in strict discipline of my children, but they also deserve the right of self-explanation.
Bill Owens
ca. 1972; printed 1998
2007.54.40
Togetherness really exists in our family. My daughter and I operate the lunch room at the Valley Inn. My sons work part-time with their dad, hanging sheet-rock. And my eldest two sons work at the Gulf gas station on P St.
Togetherness really exists in our family. My daughter and I operate the lunch room at the Valley Inn. My sons work part-time with their dad, hanging sheet-rock. And my eldest two sons work at the Gulf gas station on P St.
Bill Owens
ca. 1972; printed 1998
2007.54.48