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Photographer Barbara Peacock is depicted at the Maine Museum of Photographic Arts in Portland, where images from her initiative “American Bedroom” are exhibited. Shawn Patrick Ouellette / Portland Press Herald
In an image captured on a beach in Kauai, Hawaii, a woman sits elegantly in front of the tent where she spends each night. In another photograph, four blonde children in Victor, Idaho, congregate on a quilt-covered bed gently cradling chickens. Additionally, another shot portrays two gray-haired lovers lying naked in their loft in Madrid, New Mexico, peacefully basking in the afternoon glow.
Barbara Peacock’s exhibit titled “American Bedroom” portrays individuals in their bedrooms across every state in the U.S. The series of 90 personal photographs is on view at the Maine Museum of Photographic Arts in Portland from Dec. 13 to Jan. 31.
“This is akin to anthropology. It allows a glimpse into a life at first glance, without any words, revealing what can be discerned about an individual in their bedroom without anything further,” explained Peacock, who dedicated seven years to the project.
Peacock captures Americans on beds and sofas, a mattress on the ground, or a couch outdoors. The images are taken in residences, single-room flats, vehicles, tents, and on the pavement. The lens encompasses individuals, families, couples, and a son caring for his terminally ill mother.
This isn’t the inaugural occasion that Peacock’s work has been displayed in this venue. In 2016, Denise Froehlich, Director of the Maine Museum of Photographic Arts, first encountered Peacock’s photography in The Guardian and was captivated by her preliminary images for “American Bedroom.” She was also surprised that these works had not crossed her path before.
“(The Guardian) mentioned she was from Portland, Maine. I thought, ‘How is it possible that she’s from Portland, Maine, and I’ve never come across her work? I’ve never known about this project?’ I thought, ‘This is phenomenal. Why is it displayed in England, and not in Portland?’” remarked Froehlich.
Froehlich reached out to Peacock – who has since relocated from Portland to Waterboro – and the Maine Museum of Photographic Arts exhibited Peacock’s early photographs from the series later that same year, along with work from her prior project “Hometown,” where she documented her hometown of Westford, Connecticut, over a span of 33 years.
Nikki and Henry in Homer, Alaska, a photograph featured in “American Bedroom.” Contributed / Barbara Peacock
After concluding “Hometown” and following a period in commercial photography, inspiration for “American Bedroom” came to Peacock one morning as she stood in her garden, gazing back toward her house into her bedroom. Through the window, she observed her husband resting on their bed still enveloped in blankets, the morning light illuminating him “like a Renaissance painting.” The scene provided a glimpse into his most intimate life.
Over the subsequent six and a half years, Peacock photographed individuals throughout the United States, frequently flying to a starting point and then driving through various states. She connected with subjects via social media, personally asking them if they would be willing to be photographed and distributing cards about her project. Individuals across various identities of race, class, gender, and sexuality responded positively, allowing her into their most private areas to capture their portraits.
Photographer Barbara Peacock displays a copy of her book “American Bedroom” on Thursday, Dec. 19, at the Maine Museum of Photographic Arts in Portland, where her works are currently on display. Shawn Patrick Ouellette/Portland Press Herald
“Every life holds significance, and certain individuals remain invisible. I believe that all who consented to welcome me into their home wished to be acknowledged,” remarked Peacock.
“Many people likely feel disregarded in their lives, and this served as an opportunity for them to be illuminated,” she added.
Ensuring comfort for subjects
Numerous individuals had not had their portraits taken since their senior high school photographs, stated Barbara. Rather than artificially positioning the subjects into a predetermined pose within their bedrooms, she presented them with a selection of paintings of individuals to inspire their first stance, and then the subjects would relax and guide the process from that point onward. Approximately half of thesubjects are captured in the unclothed state, whereas Peacock mentioned she never urged anyone to disrobe. Rather, she would inquire what individuals wore to bed, and frequently, people would respond that they slept in the nude.
The Seh-Nielsen family residing in Victor, Idaho, captured in a photograph titled “American Bedroom.” Contributed / Barbara Peacock
“Any photographer is somewhat aware that there’s a rhythm and a flow to a portrait session, so it revolves around your character, how you engage with someone, and how you can make that individual feel at ease, allowing them to become the focal point of the entire experience. They understand it centers on them,” remarked Peacock.
The funding from the Getty Award supported the project to a certain extent. Peacock sought additional small grants and sold her Volkswagen alongside her life insurance policy to finance further journeys across the nation. Ultimately, she captured the right image in every state and assembled a book showcasing the work.
“It has evolved into a portrayal of America during these current decades, reflecting our lifestyles and ongoing issues—be it homelessness or the struggles of migrant workers,” stated Froehlich.
“It encompasses all that is occurring at the moment. I genuinely believe it deserves a MacArthur (Fellowship). I am convinced that two or three decades from now, this project will still be discussed. I believe its merit is that significant,” she expressed.
Accompanying each photograph is a quote from the subject. Peacock noted that during her conversations in these private settings, discussions on politics, faith, and beliefs were put aside. Instead, people from across America shared their longings for connection, security, sensuality, and affection. They voiced their wishes for an improved life for themselves and their loved ones.
“I’ve had this vehicle as a cozy and steady place longer than I’ve resided in any space as an adult up to now,” shares Laura, 23, from Portland, Oregon.
“Discovering love later in life has imparted many lessons upon me, including the importance of not feeling ashamed or embarrassed about my body. It feels liberating to declare that I am big, bold, and beautiful!” quotes Laverne and James, aged 72 and 74, from Big Stone Gap, Virginia.
Joshua in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, captured in a photograph for “American Bedroom.” Contributed / Barbara Peacock
“Our existence centers around autism, and the entire family endeavors to keep pace. Yet it is our love that bonds us, along with our spacious family bed where we reconnect each night. No one loves our family like we do,” expressed the Kalstas family from Portland, Maine.
The expressions from the subjects complete the visuals, according to Peacock. Numerous quotes influenced the selection of photographs included in the collection. Listening to people’s thoughts illustrated that everyone shares similarities, regardless of their identities or the bedrooms they occupy.
“When you delve deeply, humanity unveils itself in the most splendid manners, and we simply must listen. I believe that ultimately, this was the key for me—to become a better listener, encouraging individuals to open up their souls and share their narratives with a total stranger,” said Peacock.
“It consistently surfaces. Love is the recurring theme,” she affirmed.
Barbara Peacock will host an artist’s discussion and book signing event from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 10, at the Maine Museum of Photographic Arts, 15 Middle St. in Portland.
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