PIETER HUGO | The Hyena & Other Men

First edition, fourth printing, 2008.

Page edges have very minimal toning. Back of dust jacket has light corner and edge wear, as well as a few of tiny marks. Fine book in very good ++ dust jacket. Near fine to very good ++ condition overall.

Selected by Martin Parr and Gerry Badger for The Photobook: A History Volume III.

They note :
"In photographing these people scratching a precarious living on the fringes of Nigerian society, South African photographer Pieter Hugo had to tread a fine line between empathy and exploitation, social interest and voyeurism, as well as fending off questions about photographing the 'other'. His carefully neutral style of portraiture, with the colour saturation turned down, attempts to eliminate any sensationalist aspects, and in this he is largely successful." (p. 240)

"Many myths surround the "Hyena Men" who haunt the peripheries of Nigeria's cities. Accompanied by hyenas, rock pythons and baboons, these men earn a living by performing before crowds and selling traditional medicines. Pieter Hugo's extraordinary portraits of their liminal existence reveal an uncanny world of complex, codependent relationships, where familiar distinctions between dominance and submission, wildness and domesticity, tradition and modernity are constantly subverted. Nigerian journalist Adetokunbo Abiola introduces readers to the "Hyena Men," explaining the traditions and mystique behind their practices. Presented in thirty-five full-color plates, these intense portraits reveal why Hugo is one of the most exciting young photographers at work today.” - from the publisher

9.75 x 11.4 inches