American Dream. . .or Pandemic Nightmare?
By Allan Gorman | August 28, 2020
After over 20 years of ownership changes, construction delays, and financial and legal challenges, the American Dream Mall was slated to open, finally, in March 2020, but then was forced to close temporarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic. One day, I decided to make a few photographs of this giant retail, sports and entertainment complex in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (I’m primarily a painter of industrial and architectural realism, but I take numerous photographs for reference.)
No people, no cars, no action… nada. Eerily pristine and quiet. American Dream has not as yet scheduled a re-opening date.
“American Dream, Diagonals,” Digital photograph ©2020 Allan Gorman
“American Dream, Criss Cross,” Digital photograph ©2020 Allan Gorman
“American Dream, Water Slide” ©2020 Allan Gorman
“American Dream, Abstract Corner,” Digital photograph, ©2020 Allan Gorman
Copyright © 2020 Allan Gorman
Allan Gorman’s resume includes over 120 exhibition showings in museums, galleries and major art fairs. He was the recipient of a Fellowship for Painting from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, and was awarded resident fellowships to Vermont Studio Center in 2011, 2014 and 2018. In 2016, he was selected for a fellowship residency by the ESKFF Foundation at Mana Contemporary. Gorman maintains a studio practice in Kearny, New Jersey.
Fascinating photography. Such a powerful comment on the crazy world we live in now. Thank you.
Susan@ArtAfter80.com
Thanks much Susan