Photographer shares vision of Mississippi Delta

Photographer Kathleen Robbins’ newest book of photographs, “Into the Flatland,” is a deeply personal experience.

The work reflects the USC associate professor of art’s ancestral landscape of the Mississippi Delta.

In 2003, Robbins relocated to the family’s farm, Belle Chase, after living in New Mexico. She left there two years later, but the area has tugged at her, and this book includes photographs taken over several years. Many of the photos are from similar perspectives – the land grounds the subject, whether it’s a boy in a field, an abandoned shed, or a worn-out corner gas station.

Robbins is a seasoned photographer, whose work has appeared in galleries, Garden and Gun and Oxford American, whose other book, “In Cotton,” explores the way that plant has weaved its way into southern culture and a changing landscape.

Robbins will discuss her book in the last of the Speaker @ The Center series at the State Library in a program from noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 10. The library is at 1500 Senate St. Free, bring your lunch; books will be available for sale. (803) 734-8666; www.statelibrary.sc.gov