James Casebere and Landscape with Houses

Since the mid-1970s, James Casebere has been making photographs of tabletop models which he builds in his studio. The subject of his work ranges from suburban interiors to institutional structures, inspired by political events and social issues. In his photographs, these models often give the impression of reality. Each image transports viewers into an ambiguous environment, evoking a sense of emotional place. From the spring of 2009 to the fall of 2010, I visited the artist’s studio in Brooklyn on a regular basis and documented the process of making the series titled Landscape with Houses. As the subprime mortgage crisis occurred, Casebere became interested in American suburbs and started creating a model of an American suburban landscape.