The photographic strategy in Sleeping by the Mississippi focuses on capturing the landscapes and people along the Mississippi River Valley through a contemplative and intimate visual approach. Alec Soth photographs everyday moments that reveal subtleties of the region’s geography and culture.
Themes of solitude, human connection, and the interplay between nature and habitation are underscored by Soth’s quiet yet evocative compositions. The mood is introspective, allowing viewers to reflect on the personal and collective narratives embedded within this iconic American waterway.
Published by Mack in 2017, the 120-page book offers a carefully curated sequence that emphasizes the tension between stillness and movement inherent to life alongside the Mississippi.