Golden Meadows was inspired by both the traditionally perceived beauty and strength of the racehorse and by the entire spectacle that is created by horse racing. As I considered the facilities and structures, the jockeys and the cross-section of spectators, the allure of gambling and the manufactured thrill that accompanies the sport – I was struck by the recurring themes of preparation, repetition and casual chaos paired with beauty and routine. As a photographer I have developed great empathy for the racehorse, and can see the animal as metaphor for the artist within the system.
During initial showings of this collection, it was illuminating to note how the images evoked so much nostalgia and memory from the viewers. My hope is that these photographs (and the glimpse behind the proverbial curtain they provide) will be found accessible to as diverse an audience as is drawn to the track itself, including those who might not otherwise step foot in a gallery or “seek out” art.
