Arthur Fields Across the Tracks - Arthur Fields

Across the Tracks

Across the Tracks is a serene, and sometimes surreal exploration of everyday architecture, landscapes and patriotism in and around Southern Indiana. I have been a resident of Vincennes, Indiana for three years and have viewed the area with both curiosity and sometimes disbelief. As a photographer, I am curious and try to keep an open mind, but with 82 railroad crossings and an American flag flown in 40% of the households, in a town no larger than 7.5 square miles, there is only so much that a city boy from Dallas, living in a small Midwestern town can take.

Relying on the New Topographics tradition I photograph the Tri-states area of Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky from an unromanticized view, focusing on the urban vista and the stark relationship between man and the landscape.

I like my adopted town, people are friendly, farmer’s market is great, festivals are fun and even the Wabash River is beautiful. Still, as a Texan I am an outsider fascinated by the many aspects of the local landscape that most Vincennes residents would never think twice about. This imagery, documents and illustrates the architecture, nature and everyday “Patriotism” found in this quaint Southwest Indiana region. Images of the man-altered landscape captured with mobile phone technology showcase current issues of voyeurism, city planning and pride.