Naomi Harris is a Canadian photographer who, since 2008, has travelled across Europe and the United States visiting themed-towns, amusement parks, and festivals. in her project EUSA she photographs the ways in which popularly received ideas about one culture get expressed in the other – Swedes dressed as fur trappers, Czechs dressed as Mariachis, Americans dressed as Dutch milkmaids…
EUSA is a portrayal of American themed places around Europe and European themed places in the US. Being enthralled by another country’s way of life does not mean that it is always an accurate portrayal rather it becomes a sentimental and idealised depiction an homage to a heritage that isn’t ones own. These locations are a perception of fantasy, a sense of what the other wishes the reality would be in today’s globalised society.
her photos are also just really beautifully shot, i love her use of light and the classic square format. images courtesy of Circuit Gallery and Naomi Harris.