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Bill Owens' family and his in-laws.
Bill Owens' family and his in-laws.

Bill Owens' family and his in-laws.

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 number2007.54.108
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
DescriptionFamily group assembled in living room; playpen at left.
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.


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
Bill and Janet Owens
Bill and Janet Owens
Bill Owens
ca. 1972; printed 1998
2007.54.117
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
This is Valerie's world in miniature. She makes it what she wants it to be...without war, racial hate or misunderstanding. Ken and Barbie (dolls) are man and woman rather than Mom and Dad. They enjoy living and having a camper truck is the good life.
This is Valerie's world in miniature. She makes it what she wants it to be...without war, racial hate or misunderstanding. Ken and Barbie (dolls) are man and woman rather than Mom and Dad. They enjoy living and having a camper truck is the good life.
Bill Owens
ca. 1972; printed 1998
2007.54.34
We lived in our house for a year without any living room furniture. We wanted to furnish the room with things we loved, not early attic or leftovers. Now we have everything but the pictures and the lamps. (#2 of 2-part diptych)
We lived in our house for a year without any living room furniture. We wanted to furnish the room with things we loved, not early attic or leftovers. Now we have everything but the pictures and the lamps. (#2 of 2-part diptych)
Bill Owens
ca. 1972; printed 1998
2007.54.52
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
They're still going together.
They're still going together.
Bill Owens
ca. 1972; printed 1998
2007.54.102
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
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
Frances, John and Steve Wheelock
Frances, John and Steve Wheelock
Bill Owens
ca. 1972; printed 1998
2007.54.93
We really enjoy living in a mobile home. My hobby is collecting coins and my wife plays her Wurlitzer for entertainment.
We really enjoy living in a mobile home. My hobby is collecting coins and my wife plays her Wurlitzer for entertainment.
Bill Owens
ca. 1972; printed 1998
2007.54.23
I get a lot of compliments on the front room wall. I like Italian Syrocco floral designs over the mantle. It goes well with the Palos Verde rock fireplace.
I get a lot of compliments on the front room wall. I like Italian Syrocco floral designs over the mantle. It goes well with the Palos Verde rock fireplace.
Bill Owens
ca. 1972; printed 1998
2007.54.46