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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.

Washing cars is a great way for a group of kids to make some money.

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 number2007.54.97
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
DescriptionGroup of young poeple posing for camera.
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 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
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
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.
Bill Owens
ca. 1972; printed 1998
2007.54.50
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
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 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 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
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
We're home three weekends a year. Our camper is our real home. Being a member of the National Campers and Hikers Association gives our family the opportunity and the enjoyment of getting out of town every weekend...
We're home three weekends a year. Our camper is our real home. Being a member of the National Campers and Hikers Association gives our family the opportunity and the enjoyment of getting out of town every weekend...
Bill Owens
ca. 1972; printed 1998
2007.54.19
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
Some days when there is no one to play with I build Glenn a tent play house out of two chairs and two blankets.
Some days when there is no one to play with I build Glenn a tent play house out of two chairs and two blankets.
Bill Owens
ca. 1972; printed 1998
2007.54.77