Koto Bolofo: Horse Power

The horse has a long and rich history as a subject in the visual arts. In sculpture and painting, in the decorative arts, and most recently in photography, the horse has been celebrated for its cultural and social importance. Horse Power is a compelling photographic portrait of the horse today. From 12 to 17 September 2009, Bolofo documented life on the grounds of esteemed racehorse trainer Christiane Head-Maarek at Chantilly, France's famous racehorse region. Rising early each morning to make the most of the rare access he had gained, Bolofo photographed charming every-day occurrences - a blacksmith forging a horse shoe; filing a horse's hoof; grooming, walking and riding the animals - as well as making candid portraits of ambitious teenage jockeys-to-be. Bolofo explores every aspect of "horse power" - the physical strength of these million-dollar animals, their cultural and sporting status, and not least their noble beauty. Koto Bolofo was born in South Africa in 1959 and raised in Great Britain. Bolofo has photographed and made short films for magazines such as Vogue, Vanity Fair, and GQ. He has created advertising campaigns for companies including Hermès, Louis Vuitton and Dom Pérignon. Bolofo lives in the Vendée, France, and his books with Steidl include Venus, I Spy with My Little Eye, Something beginning with S, Vroom! Vroom!, La Maison and Grande Complications.