Frank Zappa called his autobiography I Am the American Dream. Coming from him, this is a pleasantly confusing title not unlike a hall of mirrors. it reminds me of Spinoza, whose Ethics provide an explanation for such reflections.

The American Dream is also reflected in Mendel Singer, the protagonist or antagonist in Joseph Roth’s novel Job. And of course in Gijs Assmann, but in a comical fashion. Actually, the American Dream can be recognized in all my subjects, whether it is the little dog in “Naar Arnolfini” or Mr. and Mrs. Feijlbrief next to the megalith in Borger.

-Emo Verkerk