Jack Flame Sorokin
Jack Sorokin Photography LLC.
Tanner Dale, From the project titled "Rodeo Boys"
Tanner Dale, from the project titled Rodeo Boys. August 2022. During my time living in Marshall, NC, from 2016 to 2022, I became intrigued by the complex interplay between vulnerability and masculinity within the bull-riding community at the local rodeo. Over five years, I explored the emotional and social lives of these young men, driven by curiosity and a desire to examine the nuances of their experiences.
I observed how vulnerability might forge connections and the delicate balance between violence and tenderness in the sport. I sought to understand how their shared experience of participating in this ritual – confronting metaphorical flames (or mounting the bull) – could solidify bonds and foster belonging.
My exploration examined how this ritual might cultivate a form of masculinity valuing care, support, and empathy. I approached this topic with an open mind, recognizing potential concerns regarding violence, animal welfare, traditional gender roles, risk-taking behavior, and exclusivity.
By examining these ideas from different angles, I aim to foster a deeper understanding of the complexities underpinning the bull-riding community and its unique environment, contributing to a broader discourse on the power of shared experiences and the potential for personal growth and transformation within unconventional or controversial settings.
