Americaby Zoe StraussBy: Juliann Costa

Biography-Strauss was born in 1970 in Philadelphia-Her photography experience consisted of one photography class at a community college as a teenager-She was given her first camera at age 30

Background of Her Work-Mostly takes pictures in Philadelphia -Urban life Shuttered buildingsEmpty parking lotsVacant meeting hallsPortraits of residents

Accomplishments-Under 1-95; A 10 year long projectCopies sell for $5-Executive Director for the Philadelphia Public Art Project-Had her work shown in:The Philadelphia Museum of ArtThe Philadelphia ICAThe Bruce Silverstein Gallery2006 Whitney BiennialThe Institute of Contemporary Art

Awards-Seedling Award; 2002-Pew Fellowship in the Arts; 2005-USA Gund Fellowship; 2007

America-Started in the south Philadelphia region where she is fromEight years, published in 2008-After Hurricane Katrina -Mostly of people she met throughout the country-Sad portrayal of America-Intimate photos-Unseen people and places

Project-Portrait, architecture, and photos of signage-Did not plan on this being a book-Expanse of American identities -What it means to be American-Philly compared to other parts of the country-How she sees America- Wanted project to come out the day of the presidential election.

KelleyLindaLas Vegas, NVPhiladelphia, PA

Merry Christmas HousePhiladelphia, PA

Together We Can Make Dreams Come True is TrueTerre Haute, IN

RefrigeratorsOcean Springs, MS

Next Drawing PA National Guard GuardsmanPhiladelphia,PA

Sinceres ArmNew York, NY

Art Showing Loaded RevolverCrystal, NV

Photo of Carlos Parents on his BedEl Paso, TX

Fist with CashGulfport, MS

Daddy TattooMonique Showing Black Philadelphia, PAEye

How Do I Look?Philadelphia, PA

Significance of Project-Honesty toward subject and audience-Show another side of AmericaContemporary life -Active engagement in the world -Real people dealing with real situations