Twenty-One

Twenty-one is a highly anticipated birthday. Turning twenty-one, for most, means the end of underage drinking. Voting, entering into contracts, serving in the military, and being charged as an adult in court all begin at age eighteen (except in Mississippi and the District of Columbia). It seems that the only adult exclusion remaining is drinking alcohol. The book Twenty-One depicts the essence of this significant birthday. These candid color photographs of a backyard twenty-first birthday party in the summer document the casual, carefree, playful, and energetic spirit of twenty somethings. The book opens with images of a beer keg and grilling hot dogs, moves to dunking for apples, more beer, a slip and slide water game, beer, taking photos, beer, a keg stand, birthday cake, more beer, beer pong and beer. This book describes the culture of middle-class kids on the cusp of adulthood celebrating the ritual of turning twenty-one.

Artist’s book, 8 x 10 inches, laminated cover, 24 full color pages.