Few brands are as globally recognizable as McDonalds, known for its iconic golden arches and consistent approach to fast food. Despite its standardized approach, each location has its own unique characteristics influenced by the local landscape.
Artist and photographer Yasmin Masri has spent the last four years traveling the world to document over 2,000 McDonald’s locations, showcasing the diverse urban landscapes surrounding the fast-food chain. Her new book, „Near 2,143 McDonald’s,“ offers readers a glimpse into the complex narratives woven into these seemingly ordinary locations.
Masri’s background in urban planning adds depth to her exploration of McDonald’s outlets as unstable navigation points shaped by market forces and international relations. The book’s layout intentionally provides minimal context, allowing readers to interpret the barren landscapes and create their own stories.
Featuring 2,143 images from locations across 67 countries, „Near 2,143 McDonald’s“ offers a unique perspective on the vast reach of the mega-chain. McDonald’s serves as a symbol for various themes, but in this book, it simply acts as a landmark in a diverse array of spaces with little in common beyond being a shared cheeseburger vendor.
Overall, Masri’s project challenges audiences to consider the evolving meanings of McDonald’s in different contexts, from a fast meal to a symbol of home or work.