Jane Hilton’s book, “Dead Eagle Trail”, which contains a collection of her portraits of 21st-century American cowboys, will be launched in the US at Nailya Alexander Gallery on 25th May. The book launch coincides with the opening of her solo show at the Gallery, which will run until 8th July. The title of her book and exhibition refers to her discovery of a dead Golden Eagle in the middle of the road in Nevada. The experience inspired her to document and explore one of the most iconic, romantic archetypes of American culture and history, the cowboy and his way of life. However, unlike previous expositions of the American West, Hilton’s subjects are photographed within their own personal environments, surrounded by their collections of artifacts and memorabilia. Nailya Alexander Gallery is located at 41E 57th Street, Suite 704, New York. The exhibition opens on 25th May, with a book signing taking place from 6.30 – 9.00 p.m. the next day.

Press Release

Jane Hilton Dead Eagle Trail

Nailya Alexander Gallery presents Jane Hilton’s photographic study of American cowboys in the twenty-first century with Dead Eagle Trail.

After a two-decade long love affair with US subject matter, Hilton stumbled upon the inspiration for her latest work during one of her many road trips across the western states of America. The title of her book and exhibition refers to her discovery of a dead Golden Eagle in the middle of the road in Nevada. The experience inspired her to document and explore one of the most iconic, romantic archetypes of American culture and history, the cowboy and his way of life.

Dead Eagle Trail marks Hilton’s empathetic portrayal of the cowboy of the twenty-first century. Unlike previous expositions of the American West, Hilton’s subjects are photographed within their own personal environments, surrounded by their collections of artifacts and memorabilia.

During her four and a half year study, an assignment introduced her to a handsome young cowboy called Jeremiah who travelled from Alaska to New Mexico, who funded his adventure by breaking in wild horses and taking on stints on ranches. The allure of the Wild West took Hilton to the cowboy states of America where she’s documented the lives of many other subjects, capturing their humility, dignity and strength of character.

As a reminder of simpler times without the technological trappings of modern life, Dead Eagle Trail celebrates the buckaroos of Nevada to the cowpunchers of Arizona and the question lingers. Will there be cowboys 100 years from now?

Solo show and book launch will be at Nailya Alexander Gallery,
41E, 57th Street, Suite 704, New York, NY 10022 opens Wednesday
May 25th 2011 and will run until July 8th 2011.

Artist talk and book signing will take place at Aperture Gallery and
Bookstore, 547 West 27th Street, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10001 on
May 26, 2011, 6.30 – 9.00 pm.

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Photo: Jane Hilton

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