The American West, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and rich mythology, is undergoing rapid transformation influenced by technology and socio-economic shifts. As articulated by Donna L. Lybecker, change has historically been a defining hallmark of the region, with elements like fracking and economic cycles drastically altering its landscape. This ongoing evolution, especially evident in smaller communities post-pandemic, brings both opportunities and challenges. Matt McClain's photography project highlights this dynamic, exploring five communities from Montana to New Mexico, capturing their old and new realities amidst this continuous change.
The West has long captivated Americans' imaginations with its iconic vistas and mythical lore. Mountains jutting toward the heavens. Windswept valleys and ochre-colored deserts. A land of rugged freedom.
Change is a constant. From manifest destiny to the Sagebrush Rebellion, from ranching to fracking, from boom to bust to boom again, the West's reality as well as image have been redefined.
You're starting to see a shift not just in urban centers but in these small communities. The impact is uneven and not always welcome.
Photographer Matt McClain traversed this evolving frontier to look for some of the most pronounced signs of change, exploring the old and new in various communities.
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