Past Time explores the political and cultural idealization of an America that never existed for many. It juxtaposes popular imagery of our past with photographs of contemporary life taken in locations such as Dixon, IL, the hometown of Ronald Reagan, and Mount Airy, NC, the hometown of Andy Griffith. Shown together, these elements portray how exclusionary misrepresentations of a mythological past-perfect, White America align with the current reality of iconic American towns, truly questioning the notion of “the good old days.”

“Minneapolis-based artist Paul Shambroom’s latest project reveals significant truths about his creative practice: he embraces curiosity, is a self-professed “hunter/gatherer,” and frequently questions his assumptions…. The book’s historic illustrations and Shambroom’s contemporary documentation take us back, jump forward and return to the past to question and question again the path America has followed in its young life.” - photo-eye 2020 Favorite Photo Books (Mary Virginia Swanson)