This Land Was Made for You and Me is the title of the upcoming group show at Galerie für moderne Fotografie, Berlin, which takes place from April 27 – June 9. A line from one of America’s most famous folk songs, This Land is Your Land, it was
This Land Was Made for You and Me is the title of the upcoming group show at Galerie für moderne Fotografie, Berlin, which takes place from April 27 – June 9. A line from one of America’s most famous folk songs, This Land is Your Land, it was originally written by singer-songwriter Woody Guthrie in 1940 as a response to Irvin Berlin’s God Bless America and depicts the idyllic landscapes Guthrie discovered travelling westward after leaving his native Oklahoma and addresses social realities of the time.
"This land is your land, this land is my land
From California to the New York Island
From the Redwood Forest to the Gulf Stream waters
This land was made for you and me.”
The exhibition, which has been curated by photographer Adrian Crispin and stylist Ann-Kathrin Obermeyer features snapshots of predominantly young Americans and evocatively captures the spirit of youth and endless summer days. From midnight drives to skinny-dipping, early morning sunlight, hazy desertscapes and kitsch memorabilia – the exhibition is rich in nostalgia and will leave you yearning for a long lost summer time and old Americana. We spoke to Obermeyer and Crispin about their favourite American stories, road trip soundtracks, fruit and flowers…
What's your favourite American state?
Ann-Kathrin Obermeyer: The Lone Star State, Texas. Although I have never been there, I could only imagine how great it would be to do a photo shoot there and camp with the cowboys.
Adrian Crispin: The Empire State, New York because I grew up there and all my dreams came true, almost...
What's your favourite American story?
AO: Last year while living in NYC, there was a sign on the window of my dry cleaners that said "We Know times are tough, but if you have a job interview we will clean your suit for free".
AC: The rise of Vito Corleone from a little boy arriving at Ellis Island to the GodFather.
"What's your favourite fruit? Kiwi – it looks funny and hairy"
What's your favourite driving soundtrack?
AO: Anything loud.
AC: It would depend on the destination and the time of the year. But Lou Reed is always a safe option.
What drink reminds you of summer?
AO: A Campari on the rocks with an orange slice.
AC: Most people will tell you that NYC in the summer is terrible. Unbearable humid heat, smells like garbage everywhere and there is no one around. I think NYC is the summer is really great and in the late 90s when I turned old enough to drink, me and my friend went to this great bar in the then shady LES called Baraza and drank many many mojitos that summer.
What's your favourite fruit?
AO: Kiwi – it looks funny and hairy.
AC:Banana – it is a key element to survival.
What's your favourite plant or flower?
AO: Pink peonies.
AC: Cacti.
What would be your Death Row meal?
AO: A Cosmopolitan as apperitif, Surf and Turf with some heavy French wine, and vanilla ice cream with hot cherry sauce as dessert.
AC: A cheddar cheeseburger with fries from Fanelli's Cafe and a bottle of 1979 Latricieres Chambertin. Vanilla ice cream with a shot of vodka for dessert.
If you were designing a jigsaw, what would be the image you would choose and why?
AO: A desert because I would be curious if someone would attempt to put the pieces together and see a Fata Morgana.
AC: A picture of my face , this way I get to know myself better.
This Land Was Made for You and Me runs from April 27 – June 9 at Galerie für moderne Fotografie, Berlin.
