Robert Adams: Summer Nights, Walking
In the midst of the 1970s, Robert Adams initiated the process of capturing nighttime scenes in the vicinity of his former residence located in Longmont, Colorado. The radiance emanating from the moon and streetlights transformed the suburban dwellings, roads, pathways, and fields into something ethereal. A quarter-century subsequent to the initial release of a series of these photographs in 1985 under the title “Summer Nights,” he revisited his undertaking. This involved modifying the title and undertaking a complete re-edit of the content. The aim was to craft a more unsettling representation that would better encapsulate his personal encounters.
Gaining recognition as a modern masterpiece, the publication “Summer Nights, Walking” quickly went out of circulation shortly after its 2009 release.
This new edition, thoughtfully expanded, and produced with the same meticulous attention as the original, offers the opportunity for a fresh audience to engage with this esteemed body of work.
About the Author
Born in 1937 in Orange, New Jersey, Robert Adams currently resides and operates from Astoria, Oregon.
Robert Adams is a renowned photographer acclaimed for his extensive exploration and depiction of the impacts on the American West – both the extent of the damage incurred and the boundaries of human influence. Through a collection of more than fifty photobooks, he has captured moments that offer reasons for both despondency and optimism. He has expressed his intent as seeking a delicate equilibrium between acknowledging harsh realities and nurturing a source of hope – a kind of transformative process akin to alchemy.
Adams’ upbringing was spread across various locations, including New Jersey, Wisconsin, and Colorado. During his time in these places, he developed a deep connection to nature, often spending time outdoors alongside his father. As he grew older, Adams transitioned into a role as a college English instructor with summers free. It was during this phase of life that he embarked on his photographic journey. His initial subjects were early prairie churches and the art of the Hispanic community, both of which radiated unadulterated beauty.
However, a pivotal shift occurred after he ventured to Scandinavia alongside his wife Kerstin, who is of Swedish origin. This experience prompted him to realize the intricate layers woven into the geography of America, demanding a more thorough exploration.
