Constance Jaeggi illuminates Charrería’s resilient women in “Escaramuza, Poems” – Huge

Constance Jaeggi’s journey from the suburbs of Central Europe to Constance Jaeggi in rural Texas grasslands was a guide to what she described as an “unexplained fascination” of horses. She moved to the United States to pursue a competitive cycling career and attend college, eventually becoming a rancher, essentially, her life revolved around tender giants.

“I spent the entire weekend throughout college, riding horses,” Jaeggi told Colossal. Over time, she was attracted to explore horse culture through visual means, picking up her camera and recording the animals, people and scenery around her. “I’m curious about the relationship between ancient human horses and how this affects the relationship between humans and horses,” she added. “Photography is a way to lean that curiosity and express yourself in different ways.”

Jaeggi is familiar with playing rodeo and traveling throughout the western community escaramuza. This is the only female activity of the Mexican National Movement Charreríathis activity combines equestrianism and livestock competitions such as ropes and working with cattle.

Escaramuza, This translates to a “small conflict” and is inspired by the lady soldiers, or Soldaderas, La Adelita, the Mexican Revolution and contemporary narrative in the early 20th century. Traditionally, the team consists of 16 women, with eight matches at a time, up to eight minutes. Dance carefully choreographed in a vibrant tradition, handmade Mexican dress, Escamuzas Ride the side addle and judge based on its synchronization, accuracy, clothing and elegance.

“When the Cowgirl Museum in Fort Worth, Texas is related to me escaramuza Traditional, I know nothing about it except the beauty and elegant performance of the dress,” Charreríahow they develop, and the stories of contemporary riders I talk to. ”

The oral history of the women she meets forms the basis of Jaeggi’s ongoing series, Escaramuza, Poetics of the Familynow seen at the Poetry Foundation in Chicago. “I wasn’t sure at first, but I knew I needed to bring their voice back to the work in some way,” the artist said.

Jaeggi recorded the team in Illinois, Colorado, Texas, Washington, Idaho, Georgia, California, Oregon, Iowa and Arizona, interviewing drivers while she went. On the journey, she meets two poets, Ire’ne Lara Silva and Angelina Sáenz, whose poems accompany these images and draw inspiration from female stories.

“Poetry feels like a great way to really emphasize some powerful themes of conversation with the rider, and Angelina and Ire’ne can understand and relate to these women’s cultural backgrounds,” Jaeggi said.

Escaramuza, Poetics of the Family Central portrait of Mexican women in all Regalia, highlighting colorful, coordinated dresses with their iconic wide sides Sombreros. Jaeggi portrays empowered, powerful and resilient people who balance many responsibilities. “Many of the women I meet are full-time students or full-time jobs (sometimes multiple jobs) and are raising children,” Jaeggi said.

The sport is also dangerous. The competitors conduct intense and complex exercises, crossing each other at high speeds, and the side pads on riding make it more challenging because the person can only control one side of the horse.

“A narrative about immigration and its role in the development of the movement,” Jaggie said. Jaggie shared that many shared experiences when she talked to these women and learned about their work and life, “not enough Mexican experiences when traveling to Mexico, but not enough Americans at home,” Jaggie said. Charrería Rules, many people are frustrated by the rigidity of the required dress code, which is not the case for men Shaross.

exacaramuza, “The Poetics of the Family” Continued in Chicago until August 23. Find more information on Jaeggi’s website and on Instagram.