R. J. Kern

The Unchosen Ones takes place on the sidelines of county fair animal contests in Minnesota in 2016. These county fairs lead up to the Minnesota State Fair, one of the largest and best-attended expositions in the world.

One isn’t born a winner or loser, but a chooser. This theme I explore in this series.

As we look at them, they look back, allowing us to think about how we choose winners and the repercussions for the ones not chosen.

The project consists of over 60 portraits made at 10 Minnesota county fairs in 2016. The photographs showcase the subject facing the camera, allowing the viewer to decide what connects and distinguishes these subjects.

With a vantage point straight onto the figures, the direct stance portrayed develops a typology, showcasing individual styles and characteristics. With a serial and systematic approach, the human condition is exposed in real-time.

Kenzi and Hootie, Anoka County Fair

Kol and Annabell, Anoka County Fair

Rylee and Nelly, Clay County Fair

Gabe and Buster, Clay County Fair

Gus and Doolittle, Mahnomen County Fair

Tait and Evie, Anoka County Fair

Erika and Paint, West Otter Tail County Fair

Katherine and Cagney, West Otter Tail County Fair

Anna and Helen, Blue Earth County Fair

Louis and Dumb, Freeborn County Fair

Kenzi and Hootie, Anoka County Fair

Kol and Annabell, Anoka County Fair

Rylee and Nelly, Clay County Fair

Gabe and Buster, Clay County Fair

Gus and Doolittle, Mahnomen County Fair

Tait and Evie, Anoka County Fair

Erika and Paint, West Otter Tail County Fair

Katherine and Cagney, West Otter Tail County Fair

Anna and Helen, Blue Earth County Fair

Louis and Dumb, Freeborn County Fair