Ivan McClellan's 'Eight Seconds: Legacy in Motion' Chronicles Black Rodeo Culture
Published by Damiani Books, Ivan McClellan's 'Eight Seconds: Legacy in Motion' delves into the cultural heritage of Black Cowboys. The title alludes to the eight seconds required for a cowboy to qualify as having completed a ride, yet McClellan's imagery focuses on the families and communities involved in the sport. This endeavor started in 2015 when McClellan encountered artist Charles Perry at a rodeo in Okmulgee, Oklahoma. Motivated by the struggles and untimely death of young bull rider Ouncie Mitchell at the age of twenty-seven, he established the 8 Seconds Rodeo to aid the community. The book features a preface by actor James Pickens Jr. and showcases 91 new photographs, offering a vibrant perspective on African American culture in the West.
Key facts
- Ivan McClellan's book 'Eight Seconds: Legacy in Motion' is published by Damiani Books.
- The title refers to the eight seconds a cowboy must stay on a bucking animal for a valid rodeo ride.
- McClellan discovered Black rodeo culture in 2015 through artist and filmmaker Charles Perry.
- Perry invited McClellan to a rodeo in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, which launched a decade-long project.
- The book includes a preface by actor James Pickens Jr.
- It features 91 new images compared to the 2024 edition, 'Eight Seconds: Black Rodeo Culture.'
- McClellan founded the 8 Seconds Rodeo to support athletes and promote visibility.
- The project was influenced by the death of bull rider Ouncie Mitchell at age twenty-seven.
Entities
Artists
- Ivan McClellan
- Charles Perry
- Ouncie Mitchell
- James Pickens Jr.
- Aryz
- Francesco Faraci
- Amin Yousefi
- Slava Lyu-fa
- Chris Killip
- Evelyn Bencicova
- Zachary P. Stephens
Institutions
- Damiani Books
- 8 Seconds Rodeo
- Westwing
- Crosby Studios
- Wu-Tang Clan
- Clarks
Locations
- Okmulgee
- Oklahoma
- United States
- Palermo
- Italy
- Iran
- London
- United Kingdom
- Thailand