Photographer Documents America’s ‘Spine’ to Explore National Divisions

Over three years, documentary photographer Richard Sharum traveled the 100-mile-wide corridor known as America’s ‘spine,’ stretching from the Canadian border to Mexico, to explore the deep divisions within the United States. Sharum’s journey through the Dakotas, Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas resulted in a book titled ‘Spina Americana,’ featuring over 14,000 photographs and conversations with more than 4,000 people.

Sharum, who grew up in Corpus Christi, Texas, sought to document the lives of those he believes have been politically, socially, and culturally ignored for decades. ‘I have been increasingly interested and anxious about our national divisions,’ Sharum told PetaPixel. ‘The powers that be have done a really good job at stoking divisions over the last two decades.’

The project, shot between February 2021 and November 2023, focuses on the geographic and cultural diversity of the region. Sharum’s black-and-white photography strips away distractions, allowing viewers to focus on the essence of his subjects. ‘Black and white allows me to get to the bones of what I am saying,’ he explained.

Sharum’s work highlights the commonalities among Americans, despite their differences. ‘We are all almost exactly the same, regardless of color, language, culture, etc.,’ he said. ‘The barriers preventing cohesion and progress are only there because we allow them.’

‘Spina Americana’ is published by GOST Books and is available for purchase on their website. Sharum hopes his work will serve as a call to action for those feeling powerless against the forces dividing the nation.