Chris Verene: Artist Statement

Family

I began to make these pictures in 1985, while I was in high school. I had no idea that the process of photographing my family and their hometown in rural Illinois would consume me throughout my adult life. Until about 1997, my pictures were known only to family, friends, and classmates. To my surprise, at age 29, my pictures were on display in New York museums and my first book was due to be released.