Photographer Edward Burtynsky (bur-TIN-skee) took the photo above in Breezewood, Pennsylvania in 2008. Since then, internet users have turned the image into memes. They comment on the gas station and fast-food-filled American landscape and consumer culture (the buying and selling of goods). Some captions on the memes even poke fun at how many highways in the United States— often filled with chain retailers—all look similar to one another.
But other viewers instantly recognize Breezewood. They argue that the town is unique, and that those familiar with Breezewood wouldn’t mistake the subject for any other location. The town lies at the junction of two highways that link the East Coast and Midwest. To get from one region to the other, drivers—about 5 million per year—must drive through Breezewood. As a result, the town has transformed itself into a mega-sized rest stop.
Burtynsky photographed the scene for his series, Oil, in which he explores petroleum’s journey from oil field to gas pump. He shot the work from above with a bird’s-eye view. The angle allows him to capture many visual elements in one frame, creating a composition made almost entirely of signs featuring recognizable corporate logos.
For some, the image is a striking snapshot of a specific place in America. For others, it provides a general critique of the country’s consumer culture. What do you think: Does Burtynsky depict a unique roadside attraction or the country’s consumer culture and retail uniformity?