Lyle Owerko spent two years in Northern Mongolia immersed in the culture of falconry, the ancient and otherwise closed communities that rely on the world’s most dangerous birds of prey. His new series Eagle Hunters depicts their surreal beauty against the raw Mongolian landscape.
On exhibit at Joseph Gross Gallery, the series reflects the evolution of the work of the Calgary-born, New York-based photojournalist and filmmaker. He is best known for the iconic photograph of the second plane hitting the World Trade Center on 9/11.
As a photojournalist, Owerko has spent years documenting insular cultures and the current show includes a selection from his Boombox project, covering the influential role of the boombox in the hip-hop and punk movements.
Owerko’s editorial and fine art projects take the globe-trotting artist to Africa, Tokyo and Central America. His 9/11 photos included the heart-wrenching shots of bodies falling from the twin towers. His film credits include music videos for Rufus Wainwright and commercial spots with Robert Redford for The Sundance Channel.
Lyle Owerko’s website, here.
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I felt the same way as Resa, not sure if this was a practice (the falconry) that I could feel good about, but I do admire his photography. And thank you Resa for sharing that link – I really enjoyed that article!
The photography is spectacular, agreed. Don’t forget Owerko inserted himself into a closed, ancient society and simply documented it, which – as pointed out – brings it to public attention. But I certainly get your point.
He must also be a great ethnographer to gain such access and be able to faithfully record it. That in and of itself is a skill few posses.
Great point, and his previous projects (Boombox on hip-hop culture for example) bear you out.
The second shot is awe inspiring. It looks like man and his majestic friend at an apex. However, to see the birds with the blinding hoods on, rips at my heart. I can’t & won’t support this practice until I understand that the birds love it. Therefore, to me, these images support a negative reality, which in terms of kindness to animals, and awareness of their plights, are valuable to animal conservation & awareness groups, only. This art is a tainted love.
I do know exactly how that perspective plays, and I empathize. It’s always been hard for me, especially as a journalist, to accept that many situations and practices that are cruel or unsupportable still are documented as part of the photo reality of the world. Which also brings issues to the public forefront, like this one – which I anticipated would be uncomfortable for many. Thank you for sharing that. Important.
This is why I really like you, and your art blog. We must bring things to light, and art does just that. Have you seen this? Afghanistan’s ArtLords try to reclaim Kabul – http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-35811697
Good discussion then. No, I had not seen the Kabul street art, thank you. Fascinating.