Photoville

The cowboy has long symbolized strength, self-reliance, and determination—yet Black cowboys and cowgirls, who helped shape the American West, are often left out of that story. Since 2008, I’ve been documenting the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo, the only touring Black rodeo in the U.S., and the vibrant community that keeps these traditions alive. This series honors both the legacy of Black cowboys and the modern community that gathers each year to celebrate and support one another. Families return not only for the sport but for the powerful sense of belonging it fosters. As cowboy Jamir Graham told me, “My rodeo team is my family.” What draws me back each year are the quiet, unseen moments—the bond between a rider and their horse, the camaraderie when the competition ends. These images reflect the trust, care, and joy within this community. The New Black West is a tribute to their enduring spirit and a reminder that Black cowboys have always been part of this history—and they are still here, forging new legacies.

Artist Bios

  • Gabriela Hasbun

    Gabriela Hasbun

    Gabriela Hasbun is a San Francisco-based portrait photographer whose work focuses on marginalized and overlooked communities. Growing up between Miami and her native El Salvador—during a brutal civil war—she learned early on the importance of documenting people with honesty and care. Her subjects range from Black cowboys and fat activists to queer skateboarders and the rapidly disappearing communities along San Francisco’s Mission Street.

    Known for her unembellished, candid style, Hasbun believes in the radical power of storytelling to challenge perceptions and celebrate identity in all its complexity. “I love photographing people as they are, doing what they love, showing who they are through my perspective,” she says.

    Driven by curiosity and a passion for truth, Hasbun’s work invites viewers into worlds often unseen—making visible what has been ignored and questioning dominant narratives. Her photographs remind us that powerful stories can be found all around us, if we choose to look.

Organizations

  • Photoville

    Photoville

    Founded in 2011 in Brooklyn, NY, Photoville was built on the principles of addressing cultural equity and inclusion, which we are always striving for, by ensuring that the artists we exhibit are diverse in gender, class, and race.

    In pursuit of its mission, Photoville produces an annual, city-wide open air photography festival in New York City, a wide range of free educational community initiatives, and a nationwide program of public art exhibitions.

    By activating public spaces, amplifying visual storytellers, and creating unique and highly innovative exhibition and programming environments, we join the cause of nurturing a new lens of representation.

    Through creative partnerships with festivals, city agencies, and other nonprofit organizations, Photoville offers visual storytellers, educators, and students financial support, mentorship, and promotional & production resources, on a range of exhibition opportunities.

    For more information about Photoville visit, www.photoville.com

The New Black West: Photographs from America’s Only Touring Black Rodeo

 coming soon

Featuring: Gabriela Hasbun

Presented by: Photoville, with additional support by the Phillip and Edith Leonian Foundation
  • Photoville

Supported by:

  • Phillip and Edith Leonian Foundation

Locations

View Location Details Brooklyn Bridge Park – Emily Warren Roebling Plaza

1 Water St
Brooklyn, NY 11201

Number 1 on the official photoville map Click to download this year's map

This location is part of Brooklyn Bridge Park
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The views and opinions expressed in this exhibit are those of the exhibition artists and partners and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Photoville or any other participants and partners of the Photoville Festival.

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