Property Line #1, Rancho Cucamonga, California 1984

Joe Deal made this black and white photograph, "Property Line #1, Rancho Cucamonga, California," to explore the rapidly changing landscapes of suburban America. During the latter half of the 20th century, places like Rancho Cucamonga experienced explosive growth, transforming agricultural land into sprawling residential areas. Deal's image captures the stark intersection of nature and development. The manicured lawns and neatly arranged houses contrast sharply with the rugged, undeveloped hills in the background. There's a tension here, a visual representation of the way suburban expansion encroaches upon the natural world. "I am not so interested in the thing in front of my lens," Deal once said, "as I am in the process of photographing." This photograph isn't just a document, it's a commentary on how we shape our environment. It invites us to reflect on the impact of suburbanization and the often-overlooked consequences of our desire for the ideal home. It prompts a sense of unease and asks us to consider what is lost when property lines define our relationship to the land.