The body of work, published as a monograph, is a photographic series created by Alec Soth that documents his journey along the Mississippi River. The project comprises portraits, landscapes, and interior shots captured between 2002 and 2004, presenting a contemporary vision of American life and the rivers enduring presence. Its physical manifestation is a bound collection of these images, presented in a specific sequence and design.
This collection holds significance as a modern interpretation of the American documentary tradition. It diverges from straightforward documentation, instead offering a poetic and subjective exploration of the subjects and locations encountered. The project’s benefits lie in its contribution to contemporary photographic practice, its exploration of themes such as identity, place, and the American landscape, and its impact on subsequent generations of photographers. Its influence extends to how photographers approach long-term projects and engage with narrative possibilities within the medium.
