“Midwest Cowboy” by Photographer Brian Kaiser

A contemporary deconstruction and reimagining of the American cowboy archetype by photographer Brian Kaiser. Primarily based in Columbus, Ohio, Kaiser sees the distinctive character of the cowboy as occupying an area between fable and actuality. The determine has develop into symbolic, conveying patriotic themes like rugged individualism, honour, power, and resilience. And but, whereas the thought of this iconic folks hero has endured, it has not often been examined. As Kaiser states:

“The methods cowboys have been depicted in well-liked tradition, and who has been excluded from these depictions is immediately linked to the wrong tales America tells itself about race, gender, exceptionalism, growth, and future. A rising physique of literature and pictures have sought to increase and problem these incomplete depictions, to appropriate the document and broaden the definition. This physique of labor appears to be like to do the identical.”

Kaiser focuses on a various group of rodeos, from black rodeos within the farmlands south of Chicago and homosexual rodeos that pay tribute to victims of the AIDS epidemic, to a Mexican jaripeo on the outskirts of Columbus, Ohio, every occasion pays homage to the historical past of the game whereas elevating the values which are necessary to their cultures and communities. Inside this context, Kaiser demonstrates not simply how enduring the archetype is, however how malleable and inclusive it may be. Try extra photos from “Midwest Cowboy” under!