American: Robin de Puy’s portraits of people at a time of division – in pictures

Dutch photographer Robin de Puy travelled across the US to find underrepresented voices during a turbulent time for a new project examining a country under strain. The portraits will be displayed in a series of billboards across Nevada’s Route 50, highlighting the path that was taken to find the Americans on show

Boys of Mena, Arkansas

If you had asked me 15 years ago to describe the American, I would have probably described these boys. Hard workers, big dreams, flashy and smoking cars, and baseball caps. I now know that ‘the American’ is a mix of many backgrounds and ethnicities and describing ‘the American’ as one is impossible

Photograph: Robin de Puy

Emily, Twin Falls, Idaho

Emily deeply touched me from the moment I first saw her. Surrounded by a loving family, she receives the care she needs – something that, unfortunately, is not always the case for many others

Photograph: Robin de Puy

Levi, Casper, Wyoming

Levi is someone whom most people initially shy away from. Yet behind his mask lies a person who profoundly affected me. He told me the opposite of what I thought I was going to hear

Photograph: Robin de Puy

Derek and Quentin, Elkhart, Indiana

I saw the twins standing by the roadside, and I was instantly enchanted by them. The brothers face a challenging life, but they always manage to find the ‘glitch’, as they call it. Thankfully, they have each other

Photograph: Robin de Puy

Nino (Horse Riding Club), New Orleans, Louisiana

Nino is someone who doesn’t immediately draw attention to himself, but he certainly deserves it. He is a person who is always there for others

Photograph: Robin de Puy

Damaj and Jamario, Clarksdale, Mississippi, Robin de Puy

Two boys from completely different backgrounds, yet both with very big dreams

Photograph: Robin de Puy

Nick and Zorka, Raton, New Mexico, Robin de Puy

I won’t soon forget Nick and Zorka. We ended the evening with a slivovitz in their colorful living room. Two fantastic characters who own a motel in New Mexico. Once, they earned a fortune, but it’s very difficult for the middle class to stay afloat

Photograph: Robin de Puy

Austyn and Ryder, Scottsburg, Indiana

Austyn and Ryder are two young brothers I spotted playing near the tracks. Despite living in poverty, the love within their family is immense. Their father works tirelessly day and night, hoping to one day provide them with a better home

Photograph: Robin de Puy

Dottie, Texas

Dottie is an incredible lady from Uncertain, Texas. Until recently, she rode a Harley and sometimes dresses up as Superwoman. I think that’s fantastic

Photograph: Robin de Puy

Savannah, Wichita Falls, Texas

I’ve known Savannah since 2022, and I still speak with her occasionally. She desires a loving family and her own home, but life has not been easy on her and her daughter. The project is presented by WePresent, WeTransfer’s art platform

Photograph: Robin de Puy