The state of Texas is well known for its legendary history of oil discovery, but more importantly, Texas is known for expanding the myth and of the Cowboy. The cowboy life of ranching, driving cattle, breaking wild horses, working in severe cold or heat, battles with Indians, drinking in Saloons, is the stuff of great fiction.
The cowboy culture is the theme of this group exhibition at PDNB gallery in Dallas, with photographs by photographer Bank Langmore from the 1970’s. Bank Langmore’s photographic survey and book, The Cowboy, became one of the most important documents of the modern cattle drive. Also included are photographs of the contemporary cowboy that work the “big outfit” ranches in the United States. These are by Bank Langmore’s son, John Langmore. A documentary film and a book, entitled Cowboys: A Documentary Portrait Produced by Bud Force and John Langmore, will be released on John Langmore’s exploration next year.
Local Dallas photographer, Chris Regas, a longtime friend and colleague of Bank Langmore’s, is included with his unique images of the mythical cowboy. Added selections from Jeremy Enlow’s recent series, Cowboys of the Waggoner Ranch, will remind us that the cowboy’s career is not so permanent after the expansive ranch was sold.
Vintage rodeo photographs from the 1940’s by John Stryker are also part of this exhibition. One of the rodeo photographs features Gene Autry in his Flight Officer military uniform, standing next to Everett Colborn of Dublin, Texas, who is mounted on a horse.
The myth of the Cowboy cannot be complete without including the story of the Native American. Distinguished images by Edward S. Curtis are featured from his lifetime document, The North American Indian. These beautiful photogravures depict some of the Southwestern tribes, the San Ildefonso, Wichita, Tesuque and Yokut.
Cowboys, cowgirls and some indians
September 9 – November 11, 2017
PDNB Gallery
154 Glass St #104
Dallas, TX 75207
United States
