Patriotism

In 2015, Joe Patronite took to the road to start a long-term photographic essay, a contemporary view of the USA today. Inspired from the great book "The Americans" by Robert Frank (which Patronite had first seen in his 20's as a young newspaper photojournalist), Patronite who has gravitated back to documentary photojournalism in the last decades sought to create a collection of images of life in the USA. This journey, which is continuing today in 2022, has taken Patronite to all corners of the country. Looking for quirky, offbeat, yet normal moments of individuals at play, work, leisure, Patronite has assembled a collection which crosses Secular and Non-secular portions of the society. Immigrants, new citizens, farm workers, election volunteers, and celebrants at holidays all take their place in our country's core. Patronite has tried to bring to the public a view of many differing ethnicities, religious choices and timely moments reflecting the status of this country now. Patriotism is shown in various forms in the images presented. Newly naturalized citizens, the woman dressed as Ms.Liberty riding in a 4th of July Parade, passing along the border fence in Nogales, Arizona, which is covered in razor wire. And finally a veteran and daughter, and a Vietnam Veteran at the Wall in D.C.