Conventional Wisdom

Conventional Wisdom by Drooker, Arthur. hardcover edition. ISBN: 9781943876273.

An unconventional chronicle, Conventional Wisdom is author-photographer ArthurDrookers quirky look at conventions held by some unusual interest groups, including Lincolnpresenters, furries, and mermaids. Dropper documents these events as unique expressions ofcommunity, culture, and connection. The humorous and insightful text,including intimate interviews conducted with attendees, complements the stunning photographsDrooker shot during his visits to each convention over a three-year period. From theballrooms to the vendor rooms to the guest rooms, Drookers ubiquitous camera capturesthe essence and exuberance of these annual gatherings. Conventional Wisdom shows that regardless of what theyreabout, where theyre held or who attends them, all conventions satisfy a basichuman urge: a longing to belong. The bookreveals that at conventions people who share similar interests, evenobsessions, come together to bond and to be themselves. The outside world doesntmatter. In fact, for the weekend duration of most conventions, the outsideworld doesnt even exist. An attendee Drooker met at the taxidermist conventionexpressed it best. “This isnt a convention,” he said. “Its a family reunion.”