It was in 2012, quite by chance, that the photographer discovered the African American cowboys and cowgirls and the Bill Pickett Rodeo in Atlanta.
Bill Pickett, legendary cowboy from Taylor, Texas, a descendant of Africans and Cherokee Indians was born in 1870, five years after the American Civil War.
Pickett invented the “Bulldogging” technique, which earned him the nickname: “The Bull-Dogger.” He performed in the biggest rodeo shows in the United States, Canada, Mexico, South America and even in England. He became the first black cowboy movie actor and was admitted to the National Rodeo Hall of Fame in 1971.
In the 19th century more than a quarter of cowboys were of African descent. Each year, since its creation in 1984 by Lu Vason, The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo has crossed the United States to celebrate the legacy of African American cowgirls and cowboys, whose existence was often erased by Hollywood in western movies and in history books.
Cyril Bailleul has been fascinated by cultural diversity since his beginnings as a photographer with UNESCO. As Saint-Exupéry wrote, “If you differ from me, my brother, far from injuring me, you enrich me.” Cyril Bailleul honors this quotation with his work and shares it with you through this African-American cowboy heritage which is too often forgotten in a country which draws its wealth from diversity and successive migrations. Cyril presents, «In the Footsteps of Bill Pickett».
Photo gallery slide right..........
In the Footsteps of Bill Pickett - BPIR Atlanta, GA 2019
Steve and Son - BPIR Atlanta GA 2019
Surlaw, Barrel Racer - BPIR Atlanta, GA 2018
Michelle and Her Horse, Corona - BPIR Atlanta, GA 2019
Christopher with his Horses and Pick-Up - BPIR Atlanta GA 2018
Kelvi, Sunset - BPIR Atlanta, GA 2019
Boot Detail - BPIR Atlanta, GA 2019
John Wayne, Who? - BPIR Atlanta, GA 2019
Tony - BPIR Atlanta, GA 2019
Jarade -Tattoo and Cigarillo, BPIR Atlanta, GA 2018
Backstage at the Rodeo - BPIR Atlanta, GA 2019
MSU's Rodeo Queen, Chaps Detail - BPIR Atlanta, GA 2018
Rodeo and Levi's - BPIR Atlanta, GA 2019
Dave in the Bucking Chutes - BPIR Atlanta, GA 2019
Custom Lasso / Lariat Case - BPIR Atlanta, GA 2018
Young Cowboy in a Blue Shirt - BPIR Atlanta, GA 2018
Mazi - BPIR Atlanta, GA 2018
Throwing a Lasso - BPIR Atlanta, GA 2018
Lasso and Saddle Detail - BPIR Atlanta, GA 2019
Markio's Horse - BPIR Atlanta, GA 2019
Three Generations of Cowgirls: Adrienne, Erica, & Ronni - BPIR Atlanta, GA 2018
The Next Generation - BPIR Atlanta, GA 2018
Cowb oy Buckle - BPIR Atlanta, GA 2019
Harold - BPIR Atlanta, GA 2019
Rodeo Queen, Khalilah Smith - BPIR Atlanta, GA 2018
Representing the Pan African Flag - BPIR Atlanta, GA 2019
The Bulldogger - BPIR Atlanta, GA 2018
Backstage at the Rodeo 2 - BPIR Atlanta, GA 2018
Cowboy with His Horse and Lasso - BPIR Atlanta, GA 2019
Cowgirl Couture - BPIR Atlanta, GA 2018
Midnight Cowboy - BPIR Atlanta, GA 2018
Harold, Bareback Champion - BPIR, Atlanta, GA 2018
Erica and the African American Flag - BPIR Atlanta, GA 2018
Exhibition at the Mairie du Premier Arr. de Paris - February 2020
Exhibition at the International Horse pole Longines - Deauville September October 2020
Festival du Cinéma Américain
Exhibition at the Château de Thury Harcourt 2021
Equidays Calvados