Micah Cash's 'Waffle House Vistas' explores the soul of the South

January 27th, 2025

Charlotte-based artist and photographer Micah Cash captures the essence of Southern culture and community in his exhibition Waffle House Vistas, opening June 1, 2025, at the Georgia Museum of Art. Waffle House West Memphis Arkansas pictured. (Photo credit Micah Cash)
David Paul Morris / David Paul Morris

Beginning in 2018, Charlotte-based artist and photographer Micah Cash embarked on a journey both remarkable and unremarkable in its focus – Waffle Houses, all over the American South, and glimpses into the moments and milieux unfolding around them.

A new exhibition at the Georgia Museum of Art at University of Georgia celebrates “Waffle House Vistas,” Micah Cash’s photography collection, with newly commissioned artwork accompanying the expansive image series he captured at 90 Waffle Houses across 11 states.

“Waffle House Vistas” is on view through June 1, 2025, and Micah Cash recently joined “City Lights” host Lois Reitzes to share more about his project.

“Waffle House is both a literal and metaphorical space,” Cash explained. “It’s egalitarian, working-class and a place where people from all walks of life intersect.”

Rather than focusing on the interiors, Cash uses the diners’ large windows to frame views of surrounding communities, exploring themes of economic disparity, cultural identity and shared experiences.

“Looking outward lets us see the commonalities in our struggles and triumphs,” he said.

The exhibition at the Georgia Museum of Art includes a newly commissioned time-based video piece, blending ambient sounds recorded at Waffle Houses with visuals to complement the photographs.

“I wanted the video to be immersive but not overpowering,” said Cash. “It’s about enhancing the stories told by the photographs without overshadowing them.”

In addition to the visuals, the second edition of Cash’s book “Waffle House Vistas” features essays by contributors like Maurice Carlos Ruffin and Beth McKibben, examining the cultural significance of Waffle House. Cash also wrote an essay, sharing how the project’s deeply personal themes of resilience and community reflect his own journey.

“Waffle House Vistas” can be found at Micah Cash’s website here, and more information about the exhibition can be found at the Georgia Museum of Art’s website here.