exhibitions > 01.23.10 - 03.06.10

In Omaha I saw a man carrying two swords. I took his portrait. The following week I traveled to Council Bluffs, Iowa to meet him and see more. When I arrived, there was a long haired man inspecting weapons; swords, shields, knives, a flange, a spear. Another man was sitting on the ground, repairing weapons, rolls of colored duct tape lay by his side.

The rules are straight forward: No hitting in the face or groin, when hit in the leg - fight on one knee, when hit in the arm - arm goes behind your back and when you die - lie on the ground.

And on a hot summer day in August, the sides were drawn. The combatants took to their weapons, readied themselves - tensely awaiting the first swing of this suburban melee.

JJ Sulin