Since the 1980’s, pit bulls have been demonized by society, often portrayed as hellhounds. This has sealed the fate of countless dogs who face prejudice, systematic abuse and death in shelters around the world. In America alone, an estimated 1 million pit bulls are euthanized every year. It is a quiet massacre, a meaningless discarding of life.
Using the language of traditional portraiture and baroque esthetics, the Flower Power series aims to challenge the way society perceives and treats pit bulls by shortening the emotional distance between the viewer and these misunderstood dogs. The portraits celebrate the life and dignity of these soulful creatures who are at the mercy of humans.
All models in this series are real shelter pit bulls, each with a powerful story to tell. The dogs were awaiting adoption at the time the photographs were taken. While some still wait, many of the models found loving homes. These iconic portraits have gained a significant following under the hashtag #PitBullFlowerPower.
Artist Bios
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Sophie Gamand
Sophie Gamand is a French award-winning photographer and animal advocate living and working in New York. Since 2010, she has been focusing on dogs and our relationship with them, particularly shelter dogs. By donating her time and (a little flower power) to animal shelters, Gamand has helped hundreds of dogs find a new home through her popular Instagram.
Traveling between fine art and documentary, Gamand’s work is mostly photography-based but her recent exhibits have included video, sculpture, installation, Virtual and Augmented Reality.
Gamand is the author of Wet Dog (New York City: Grand Central Publishing, 2015) and Pit Bull Flower Power (New York City: Lantern Books, 2018). She has received multiple awards for her work in photography and her advocacy including a Sony World Photography Award (2014) and has exhibited her work worldwide.
Organizations
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United Photo Industries (UPI)
United Photo Industries (UPI) is a New York based nonprofit organization that works to promote a wider understanding of, and increased access to, the art of photography.
Since its founding in 2011, UPI has rapidly solidified its position in the public art landscape by continuing to showcase thought-provoking, challenging, and exceptional photography from across the globe. In its first seven years, UPI has presented the work of more than 2,500 visual artists in gallery exhibitions and public art installations worldwide.
Flower Power
Featuring: Sophie Gamand
Locations
View Location Details Download a detailed map of this location Brooklyn Bridge Park – Emily Warren Roebling Plaza1 Water St
Brooklyn, NY 11201
This location is part of Brooklyn Bridge Park
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Related Events
Flower Power Dog Adoption
Some of Sophie Gamand’s models from the Flower Power exhibition are still available for adoption and will make special appearances throughout the weekend, from agencies including DAWS (Danbury Animal Welfare Society), Beastly Rescue, Animal Haven, Redemption Rescue, Mr Bones & Co and more!
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