The American family farm is at a critical crossroads, grappling with economic pressures, climate change, and shifting demographics. Rather than a homogenous nation, America is a mosaic of diverse regional identities. My artistic exploration delves deep into themes of class, community, nationalism, and familial expectations, illuminating the intricate connections between the land, individuals' psyche, privilege, economic stability, and the shared identity of the Midwest region.
Inspired by the cancellation of the Ramsey County Fair in 2021, I launched The Last Fair project, visiting 25 county fairs across Minnesota over three summers. During this journey, I spent 70 nights away from home and drove 9500 miles, reflecting on how we often don’t appreciate joy until it’s gone. My goal is to document the essence of these fairs before they become memories of ‘the last fair.’
Each large group photograph requires extensive planning and engagement with participants through workshops, presentations, and exhibitions. As rural youth experience a generational shift, with aging farmers retiring and fewer young people entering agriculture, my work aims to highlight the importance of these fairs in fostering community and agricultural traditions. These issues have driven my artistic endeavors since 2012.
The shift from family farms to large-scale operations has transformed rural America, leading to declining participation in county fairs. Once vibrant showcases of diverse livestock and agricultural practices, some Minnesota county fairs now struggle with sparse entries and waning interest from the youth. Despite these challenges, county fairs remain vital in passing on agricultural traditions, life lessons, and fostering a sense of community.
Inspired by artists such as Pieter Bruegel and Grandma Moses, my artistic approach blends the depiction of rural, everyday scenes with meticulous attention to detail, representing communal experiences, and evoking a narrative quality focused on human experience. Through panoramic views at county fairs, I seek to capture the intricate layers of moments that together form the rich tapestry of rural communities—ranging from intimate scenes of mothers comforting their children to bustling group portraits featuring individuals and animals.
