Hayden Williams, a Brooklyn-based artist, reimagines the familiar landscapes of suburban life in his digital series, “Suburbs”, which taps into American obsessions with privacy and perfect lawns. Using Houdini, a 3D rendering tool, Williams brings to life surreal and whimsical scenes that redefine the traditional concept of suburban neighborhoods. His work transforms cookie-cutter homes into vibrant characters with distinct personalities, inviting reflections on the quirks and nostalgia of these spaces. In “Nosy Neighbor”, for instance, a house comically leans over to peek at the adjacent property, cleverly embodying the invasive yet oddly relatable dynamics of close-knit communities.
Each piece in the series highlights a unique interplay between form, space, and emotion, elevating the homes themselves as the stars of the story. In “Best Friends”, two houses appear connected by a shared pathway across a lush, communal lawn, symbolizing the bonds forged in suburban settings. Another standout, “Cul de Sac”, presents a looping neighborhood in a seemingly endless spiral, subtly critiquing the repetitiveness and isolation that can accompany such structured environments. Streets and sidewalks remain eerily empty in these illustrations, granting the buildings an anthropomorphic essence and creating an evocative, slightly uncanny atmosphere.
Williams’ “Suburbs” does more than capture architectural designs; it delves into the emotional and psychological layers of suburban existence. The series balances humor and poignancy, nostalgia and eeriness, all while reexamining how such uniform spaces become deeply personal and memorable for many. “I enjoy the quiet, uncanny beauty that suburban neighborhoods evoke, which resonates with so many people”, Williams shares. His work stands as a creative meditation on the complex, bittersweet realities of suburban life, merging the familiar with the fantastical in striking and thought-provoking ways.
More info: Website, Instagram.
Sneak Out

Memory Lane

Nosy Neighbor

Best Friends

Cul de sac

H.O.A.

Moving Away

Sprawl

Stay off the lawn

Mowing the lawn

Private Pool
