Photographer Will Vogt’s second monograph is both a vivid behind the scenes reflection of his own privileges that has come before him, while capturing the lifestyle of his friends and family through his lens.
‘Behind the Hedges’ shifts between the lavish lives of the wealthy but also looks into the more startling and concerning side of this environment. An image of a lone Black guest at a party, and a bone yard stacked with the remnants of years of hunts are just two disconcerting examples that expose two sides of this particular lifestyle.
Vogt’s photographs span over 50 years documenting his family and friends, predominantly shot in Watch Hill which is on his family’s ranch in South Texas. Other locations pictured are where Vogt visits on a regular basis, both at home and abroad. The book is accompanied by an essay by artist and editor Jennifer Garza-Cuen who is also a professor at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.
From children playing carefree on the beach and on a golf course, to teenagers enjoying lavish parties and events, to the older generation partaking in the more traditional hunting escapades. Vogt’s photographic approach allows the viewer to be able to get an insight and to immerse themselves into the luxury world of three generations.
Clever wide interior and exterior shots of mansions are carefully composed by the photographer which all include significant details. An inviting leading line leads you towards Lainston House with various table and chairs set out front, a swimming pool at the foreground of another lavish house by the sea. But most striking of all is half of a giraffe placed inside a vast and extravagant dining hall next to a table fit for a king. This crucial detail included by Vogt exemplifies the true nature of the upper echelons of life and its perks and opportunities.
The two most contrasting images that feature in the book are the epitome of Vogt’s vision and what he wants to project to the viewer. One image shows a lovely, layered landscape shot of people walking back to their cars after a hunting expedition, dwarfed by two mesmerising rainbows. A dreamy postcard worthy shot that reveals a perfect lifestyle.
Then there’s a polar opposite image, the darker, shocking, and distressing spoils of hunting. Through countless years of hunting lies a heap of bones from animals who have suffered from this controversial sport. Vogt’s image of this haunting visual is taken from further afield which shows the true and grand scale of this bone yard. Two images that depict the lavishness and dark side of the upper class which is expertly captured by Vogt, a true representation and unfiltered look into this world many do not experience.
‘Behind the Hedges’ by Will Vogt is currently available to buy.
Related reading:
- Gritty portraits of ordinary American workers as seen by fashion ace Richard Avedon
- Best western: Photographer Jane Hilton explores the American West
- Sacha Goldberger’s unique mash-up of American comic book heros and 15th century Flemish paintings
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