Hot Dog Stick
Lightjet c-print
12.8 x 7.2 inches
The piece examines the cultural significance and history of the American Pit Bull, a dog specifically bread to fight. Assembling a group of ten male dogs, Okón orchestrates a highly ritualistic and synchronized performance. The deliberate artificiality melds with a peculiar adherence to actuality, resulting in a powerful tension between what's choreographed and sudden outbursts of uncontrolled aggression. The piece explores the coexistence of humans and animals as well as notions of violence. It also explores alienation in the context of our pervasive fantasies to control nature.