Sometimes, however, what starts with a cool cellphone picture sent from a friend becomes an amazing, thought-provoking piece of photojournalism that probes the relationships between humans at the wild, humans and animals, and humans and each other. And I’m rarely stopped dead in my tracks when a photo crosses my field of view – but I was with these photos, with this body of work.
Pieter Hugo’s The Hyena and Other Men is a series of incredible photos, taken over two trips in as many years at the edges of a shantytown in Nigeria. Hugo worked with Nigerian reported Adetokunbo Abiola to not only find the men to photograph, but to get to know them and earn their trust.
The arresting images–which show men (and, occasionally, children) with hyenas, monkeys, and other wild animals which have been tamed for entertainment purposes–are an exploration of one tiny population’s life…a life that’s pretty different from yours or mine. Horrible or wonderful? That’s for you to decide. Scroll through some of the image tabs above this photo… Completely remarkable.
Here’s an excerpt from Hugo’s explanation of the project:
Seldom did anyone express strong concern for the well-being of the creatures. Europeans invariably only ask about the welfare of the animals but this question misses the point. Instead, perhaps, we could ask why these performers need to catch wild animals to make a living. Or why they are economically marginalised. Or why Nigeria, the world’s sixth largest exporter of oil, is in such a state of disarray.
Head over to Hugo’s site to see the rest and read his description of the artistic process. It’s a good read.
Hat-tip to my buddy Jon Coe for bringing this evocative project to my attention.
these images are truly a mode of transport into another world which seems unreal to us in 1st world countries, but such a ridiculous reality for millions. In response to the quote on what questions should be asked such as why the country of Nigeria is in such disarray; I think it’s quite sad how corruption is able to cripple millions only to profit a few. an organisation in the UK is doing some great work at trying to get the EU to make sure that large corporations registered in Europe show the amounts paid to governments in these countries to ensure that the people of these countries have access to the information in order to have some hard evidence that more needs to be put back into the communities. If you’re interested, check out the campaign here – http://www.tearfund.org/en/get_involved/campaign/governancecorruption/
They really are interesting photos. But if one attacked then I would have the same reaction as I do when one of those elephants flips and decides that they are tired of being chained and performing silly tricks.
After listening to this
http://www.amazon.com/Lagos-Shake-Tony-Allen-Chop/dp/B005JLRS5A/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1335994474&sr=8-1
i also searched for Hugo’s work because of the cover.
Very impressive!
I have seen Pieter Hugo’s work hanging around Boston Fine Art Galleries…the prints are large and very breathe taking to look at, plus the content photos are gorgeous.
I’m curious, which galleries exactly? I’ve recently moved to Boston and I’d love to see this in person.
These are wild creatures how come they don`t take a bite of their “owner”?
So stunnning how much do theys wild dogs wheigh?
They are hand reared so become use to humans – which in the end can be dangerous as you said they are wild animals and nothing stopping them one day turning on the owner,
They weigh about 50 – 65Kg on average, their jaws are measured at a bone crushing 11,000 Pounds/per sq inch
You need to drop about 10,000 pounds per sq. in. on the hyenas bite…..they come in around 1000 lbs. per sq. inch.
They don’t bite their owners because they live in chains and muzzles. These photos are tragic.
I agree, it’s probably some sort of a display of manhood to try to domesticate these animals. Yet another sad victory for man against nature…..