Marc Joseph
dal 10/6/2005 al 9/7/2005
Segnalato da
10/6/2005
Marc Joseph
Western Project, Culver City
Pictures from America Pitbull. Images come from a three year sojourn across America investigating the culture of pitbull dog owners and breeders. What the artist has discovered is a contemporary icon and mirror for issues of independence and power, security and family. His work challenges the assumptions and myths in an unexpected spectrum of white hot emotion and contradiction.
Pictures from America Pitbull
Western Project is proud to present the first Los Angeles exhibition by
New York photographer, Marc Joseph. His images come from a three year
sojourn across America investigating the culture of pitbull dog owners
and breeders - resulting in the Stiedl publication: America Pitbull.
This exhibition will include images from the book as well as a new DVD
from his residency at the Wexner Center:
Life is Short, Bite Hard and Shake.
Joseph has documented a sector of society that is truly American; images
of power and drama, many wholly controversial. Photographing men and
women in their homes, yards and public events, his pictures maintain an
intimate feeling, while debunking many ideas about this popular breed of
dog. In both landscapes and portraits, Joseph has captured complex
notions of identity, race and class; questioning our definitions of
fear, beauty, security and devotion. The dogs themselves are a loaded
symbol of strength for many owners; reinforcing an 'outsider' or
rebellious stance. What Joseph has discovered is a contemporary icon and
mirror for issues of independence and power, security and family. His
work challenges the assumptions and myths in an unexpected spectrum of
white hot emotion and contradiction.
"I believe it is very important to look squarely at societal issues, and
a photographic typology is the perfect vehicle for looking at this one.
Mr. Joseph has created a suite of pictures that are as powerful as they
are revealing. Seen alone the pictures are tender or frightening or
dignified. Cumulatively they are a riveting photographic manifestation
of American culture."
Marc Joseph was born in Ohio and has been shooting pictures since the
age of 11. He lives in Manhattan and has exhibited at the Portland
Institute of Contemporary Art, and in Amsterdam, Greece, and New York.
Reception for the artist: Saturday June 11, 5-8pm
Western Project
3830 Main Street - Culver City