Highway 61

In this stirring collection of photos, actor and photographer Lange (50 Photographs) travels the historic Highway 61 from New Orleans to Wyoming, Minn., chronicling the desolation and small beauties that exist on and near the once-mighty highway. As someone who traveled Highway 61 as a child, Lange reflects on how time has not been kind to either the road or people. Rundown buildings, haunted and tired eyes, and even faded riverboats all showcase a raw pain that stems from being neglected and forgotten. Of the images—grainy, black-and-white photos with no exact location given—few drive this point home better than a snapshot of a shadowy vacant lot, with a graffiti-tagged wall that says, “You look like my dreams.” Amid such sorrow, there are underlying elements of joy in Lange’s photographs. Children at local fairs, people spending time by the Mississippi River, and the hustle and bustle of busy diners reinforce the idea that despite all hardships, a sense of community still thrives. Men and women smile at the camera, illustrating that even when life is difficult, people can find pride in what they do and joy in the world around them. This moving tribute serves as a gentle reminder to appreciate the moments and places that are often taken for granted. (Oct.)