Over a span of six years, Belgian photographer Eva Verbeeck immersed herself in the diverse lives of more than 400 girls across the United States. Her work, captured entirely on analog film, forms the compelling new book America’s Girls, On the Edge of a Dream, published by GOST Books. Through her lens, Verbeeck offers an intimate exploration of identity, agency, and self-discovery among young American girls.
To dive deeper into the theme of identity through visual art, explore Henry Wessel’s take on 1980s California, offering a striking monochrome perspective on life.
Personal Artifacts of Girlhood
Verbeeck invited each participant to bring an object of personal significance for their portrait. While some chose to appear without an item, others showcased belongings that told stories of their passions and identities, including sports equipment and musical instruments.
The Inspirations Behind the Lens
Growing up in Tessenderlo, Belgium, Verbeeck was captivated by American culture, nurturing a fascination with the idea of the “American teenager.” This curiosity eventually led her to the U.S., where she transformed these childhood fantasies into a photographic reality. Her project examines the myth and reality of American girlhood.
“Growing up in a small Belgian town, my perception of America and girlhood was shaped by pop culture,” Verbeeck reflects. Over six years, she photographed more than 400 girls across 28 states using large format film cameras that fostered intimate conversations and trust with her subjects. This extensive project delved into girlhood, identity, and American life from the perspectives of the young women she photographed.
A Nationwide Portrait of Girls Across 28 States
Verbeeck photographed girls across 28 states including Alabama, California, and New York. She met the girls from open calls, community events, and connections with local organizers and educators. These encounters provided a deep insight into how young women see themselves and the world around them.
Learn more about artists capturing unique cultural narratives in Tommy Carroll’s vivid portraits, which convey quiet emotion through color and light.
Through Verbeeck’s careful compositions, America’s Girls, On the Edge of a Dream reveals the complexities of growing up and the cultural influences shaping modern girlhood. Her portrait photography offers a fresh perspective on how a new generation navigates their identities and aspirations.
Source: petapixel.com
Frequently asked questions
What is the theme of Eva Verbeeck’s new book?
Her book, America’s Girls, On the Edge of a Dream, explores identity, agency, and self-discovery among young American girls.
How many states did Eva Verbeeck photograph in?
Verbeeck photographed girls across 28 states in the United States.
What inspired Eva Verbeeck’s photography project in the U.S.?
Growing up in Belgium, Verbeeck was fascinated by American culture and the idea of the ‘American teenager,’ which inspired her project exploring American girlhood.
More in
Photography
All Photography
