"The absence of color cannot and does not diminish the strength of Eggleston as an artist. It is largely up to the viewer to disassociate themselves from their own deep mental ties to him and to his 'color'. I would not though say that the absence of the 'Southern' would not diminish Eggleston as an artist. I think that it would. Eggleston as a 'Southern artist' cannot and should not project his 'South' on to simply anywhere. Yes, to be a 'democratic' photographer might suggest this approach but I would put forth that Eggleston is more accurately a 'Southern democratic' photographer. There is no need for him to show anything or anywhere else."

From an essay on Wiliam Eggleston: 'Before Color' (2010) by Doug Rickard.