Created Equal… Photographer Mark Laita

In America, the chasm between rich and poor is growing, the clash between conservatives and liberals is strengthening, and even good and evil seem more polarized than ever before. At the heart of this collection of portraits is my desire to remind us that we were all equal, until our environment, circumstances or fate molded and weathered us into whom we have become. Los Angeles- and New York-based photographer Mark Laita completed Created Equal over the course of eight years; his poignant words reflect the striking polarizations found in his photographs. Presented as diptychs, the images explore social, economic and gender difference and similarity within the United States, emulating and updating the portraiture of Edward Curtis, August Sander and Richard Avedon. This volume includes an introduction by noted culture writer and editorial cult figure Ingrid Sischy.

Bodybuilder / Amish Farmer, 2006 / 2004

Young Boxer / Retired Boxer, 2002 / 2002

Beauty Salon Customer / Man with Curlers, 2005 / 2004

Lingerie Model / Woman in Girdle, 2006 / 2007

Catholic Nuns / Prostitutes, 2002 / 2002

Vegetarian / Butcher, 1999 / 2004

Fur Trapper / Woman with Dog, 2003 / 2004

Amish Adolescents / Teens punks, 2004 / 2004

Mariachis / Elvis Impersonators, 2000 / 2002

French Chef / Short Order Cook, 2006 / 1999

Company President / Cleaner, 2006 / 2004 years.

Homeless Man / Real Estate Developer, 2002 / 2005

Baptist Minister / Ku Klux Klan, 2002 / 2002

Marine / War Veteran, 2002 / 2004

Bank Robber / Deputies, 2000 / 2000

Gang Member / Mafioso, 2006 / 2006

Ballerina / Boxer, 2002 / 1999

Polygamists / Pimp, 2004 / 2003

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