Overview
In this large, abundantly illustrated volume, Joseph attempts to document the American Pitbull Terrier as owned throughout the country. What emerges, however, is a single-sided, often stereotypical view of the pitbull owners themselves--a portrait that is nevertheless evocatively captured. The opening two-page spread shows a close up of a young man from Liberty, Tex., proudly baring his gold teeth and his pitbull ring; an American flag hangs above him. Subsequent photos show pitbulls tied up in back yards or being held by their tattooed owners (men and women; black, white and Latino). Joseph offers a glimpse into an East Village apartment in New York City, then turns his attention to a hangar where pitbull brick-pulling competitions are held. Only in Frey's essay, which narrates the author's search for a pitbull pup, does the stereotypical view of pitbulls as ferocious and strong begin to be challenged.
Synopsis
Far from a conventional "dog book," American Pitbull is a nonfiction pictorial narrative of a deep culture: American pitbull dogs and the human beings that live for them. Over a three-year period Marc Joseph traveled the United States photographing pitbull dogs, their owners, breeders and "old time dog men," at their homes and yards, and during events related to the breed. Joseph gained full access to this culture via the bonds formed with his subjects, and the fanatical, almost-religious devotion that pitbull fans attribute to the breed is clearly portrayed in his pictures. Issues of identity are addressed through elements of image, race, pride and background, while the photographs simultaneously serve to further an understanding of our perceptions of beauty, unconditional love, danger and strength. Rich with metaphor, themes of family and shelter are prominent; throughout the series a cast of characters emerges, defining the context of the work. Writer James Frey, (A Million Little Pieces) contributes the highly informative and very personal essay to American Pitbull. Exhibitions of the works shown here will be mounted throughout the United States and Europe in 2005 and 2006. The documentary film, American Pitbull, based on this book, is currently in production.