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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.

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.

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 number2007.54.85
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
DescriptionMan and woman in garage or basement workshop; pinup pictures in background.
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 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
It's fun to break up the glass. We're doing our thing for ecology and the Boy Scouts will give us a badge for working here.
It's fun to break up the glass. We're doing our thing for ecology and the Boy Scouts will give us a badge for working here.
Bill Owens
ca. 1972; printed 1998
2007.54.95
We really enjoy getting together with our friends to drink and dance. It's a wild party and we're having a great time.
We really enjoy getting together with our friends to drink and dance. It's a wild party and we're having a great time.
Bill Owens
ca. 1972; printed 1998
2007.54.84
It's a great pleasure to watch yourself make love in the six dozen mirrors that line the ceilings and walls. I've spent a tremendous amount of thought and planning to get the total effect of the bedroom.
It's a great pleasure to watch yourself make love in the six dozen mirrors that line the ceilings and walls. I've spent a tremendous amount of thought and planning to get the total effect of the bedroom.
Bill Owens
ca. 1972; printed 1998
2007.54.36
Landscape after a Poem by Du Fu "The Rock Cliff Reveals, After the Clouds Passing by, its Face of Brocade and Embroidery"
Landscape after a Poem by Du Fu "The Rock Cliff Reveals, After the Clouds Passing by, its Face of Brocade and Embroidery"
Dong Qichang 董其昌
1621-1624
86-3/7
Image Not Available for Test exposure of Prosser Rock from its base, Colorado
Test exposure of Prosser Rock from its base, Colorado
Robert Shlaer
June 7, 1998
2015.67.51.112
Photography: Its origins, Its progress, Its transformations
Photography: Its origins, Its progress, Its transformations
Louis Désiré Blanquart-Evrard
1869
2017.61.1.1-20
I bought the lawn in six-foot rolls. It's easy to handle. I prepare the ground and my wife and son helped roll out the grass. In one day you have a front yard.
I bought the lawn in six-foot rolls. It's easy to handle. I prepare the ground and my wife and son helped roll out the grass. In one day you have a front yard.
Bill Owens
ca. 1972; printed 1998
2007.54.6
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
I don't like the space walk. It's Saturday morning and I want to see cartoons.
I don't like the space walk. It's Saturday morning and I want to see cartoons.
Bill Owens
ca. 1972; printed 1998
2007.54.42
We feel most people have the wrong attitude towards sex, that it's nasty and to be done only in the dark. With us sex takes care of itself.
We feel most people have the wrong attitude towards sex, that it's nasty and to be done only in the dark. With us sex takes care of itself.
Bill Owens
ca. 1972; printed 1998
2007.54.37
My dad thinks it's a good idea to take all the leaves off the tree and rake up the yard. I think he's crazy.
My dad thinks it's a good idea to take all the leaves off the tree and rake up the yard. I think he's crazy.
Bill Owens
ca. 1972; printed 1998
2007.54.73