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Photo Book Reviews

Cowboy UP by Arthur Frank (powerHouse Books) Cowboy Up, by photography Arthur Frank, takes a look at the modern interpretation of the old western rodeo tradition. Article rating: 3.82

Cowboy Up, the work of photographer Arthur Frank, is a thrilling look into the old western rodeo. From the dusty grounds to the frenetic action of the broncos, Frank captures the spirit of the rodeo as both an athletic triumph and a part of American heritage. His work is an interesting mix of artistic positioning and sport-shots of the animals in motion.

An event that lasts at best eight seconds, the wild ride atop a bull or bronco takes center field for its breathless intensity. Frank leads with some of his most inspiring action shots of cowboys struggling, and often failing, to stay in the saddle while riding broncos and bulls. Taken from several angles, these shots do not glorify the size of the horse, but rather show the physical struggle at work, muscles visibly rippling, as the animals try to dislodge their riders.

Another event, calf roping, is completed when a rider successfully lassos a loose calf with a horse well trained to follow the subtle commands of its rider. Frank does show a variety of images of this second event, but they are less impressive in their ability to convey the excitement of the action at hand.

One of the most interesting aspects of Frank’s work is his use of focus. He manages to achieve crystal clear subject in some shots (as well as background), while in others he uses a longer exposure period to create a sense of movement.

Done in black-and-white film, the book has an authentic, grainy feel that manages to evoke the heritage of the rodeo while allowing it to be a contemporary collection. It adds contrast and depth of perception to the more images that include background. This also was a wise choice as dust at the rodeo often obscures color.

Several other events feature vibrantly in Frank’s images, spotlighting the multiracial nature of the present day rodeo, the involvement of women, and the ever-present patriotism inherent in this ritual. Frank brings his artistry even to the largest and most prestigious event in rodeo: the National Rodeo Finals in Las Vegas, where when men and women wait in tiny wooden stalls, atop of momentarily placid animals, while they prepare to “cowboy up” and ride out of the gate to uncertain perils in the pursuit of glory.

Frank, a resident of New York City, approached the event with an outsider’s perspective, thinking the rodeo to be a purely physical contest. Over the course of nine years of travel to rodeo’s many far-flung venues in Colorado, Arizona, South Dakota, Nevada, Oregon, Alberta (Canada), and upstate New York, Frank came to understand the rodeo as “a communal celebration of a way of life based on rugged individualism as well as a denial of modern technology.”

Each rodeo, he noted, had its own individual adaptations and presentations of its particular local. “Western” style of dress and politically incorrect jokes were a commonality, yet Frank noted that the patriotism of the rodeo crowd was always heartfelt, and this shows in his images of the crowd and the background of several photos. The people who take part are sincere in their enjoyment and support of this reenactment and glorification of ranching life.

The last image in the book, of a cowboy hat hung up on the wall, gives a nice sense of completion to the collection. It is slightly out of focus, yet captivating in its finality. Like the cowboy after the ride, when Cowboy Up ends, one is left shaking off the cobwebs and preparing for a swift return to reality.

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