Enid Crow's 'American Values' Uses Self-Portraiture to Critique Nationalism
New York City-based conceptual artist Enid Crow, born in 1968 in Auburn, NY, has been exploring identity and nationalism through her 'American Values' series since 2012, which includes over 50 self-portraits. Utilizing both male and female personas, she critiques themes of patriotism while noting influences from vernacular photography and artists like Nikki S. Lee. Crow incorporates social media quotes to enrich her visual commentary. With an extensive academic background, she transitioned to full-time artistry in late 2025 after retiring from law. Currently, she is creating new works centered on endangered mollusks and insects, assisted by her husband, Jan Peterson.
Key facts
- Enid Crow is a New York City-based conceptual artist born in 1968 in Auburn, NY.
- The 'American Values' series includes over 50 self-portrait photographs started around 2012.
- Crow portrays male and female characters in red, white, and blue to critique American nationalism.
- Influences include Nikki S. Lee's self-portrait projects and Bill Owens's 'Suburbia'.
- Crow began self-portraiture at age 13 after attending the Wendy Ward School of Charm.
- She holds a J.D. from NYU School of Law and retired from law in October 2025.
- Crow is a former artistic fellow of A.I.R. Gallery and BRIC Arts Media.
- Her husband Jan Peterson assists with some photographs in the series.
Entities
Artists
- Enid Crow
- Nikki S. Lee
- Bill Owens
- James Traggianese
- Mari Saxon
- Alena Solomonova
- Momo Muroi
- Jan Peterson
Institutions
- A.I.R. Gallery
- BRIC Arts Media
- State University of New York at Geneseo
- Northwestern University
- University of Florida
- New York University School of Law
- Wendy Ward School of Charm
- Griffin Museum of Photography
- Tokyo Photographic Art Museum
- Lenscratch
Locations
- New York City
- Auburn, New York
- Portland
- Geneseo
- Lamoni, Iowa
- upstate New York
- Japanese countryside
- California