A two-decade love affair with Arizona, in photos
- Text by HUCK HQ
- Photography by David Hurn / Magnum Photos
A new book dedicated to David Hurn’s two-decade love affair with Arizona is being published this month. The publication, titled Arizona Trips, contains images of the legendary photographer’s numerous trips to the state; capturing everything from cheerleaders, wild horse wrangling, and Dolly Parton look-alike competitions.
Hurn, who is originally from Wales, came to the US after winning the Bicentennial Fellowship in 1979 – a one-year award for photographers who want to shoot the country. After being asked to choose a state, he opted for Arizona. “It was the most right-wing state in America and Wales at that time was probably the most left-wing part of the UK,” he remembers. “Also, it’s the driest state in America and Wales is the wettest. So it seemed to me it was such an extraordinary contrast.”
The Magnum photographer ended up returning to Arizona repeatedly between 1979 and 2001, turning his lens to ordinary people in ordinary pursuits.
“Life as it unfolds in front of the camera is full of so much complexity, wonder and surprise that I find it unnecessary to create new realities,” adds Hurn. “There is more pleasure, for me, in things as they are.”
Arizona Trips is being released to tie in with Magnum’s 70th birthday this year. An accompanying exhibition of his work is also on display at the National Museum Cardiff until March 11 2018.
Tempe. David HURN in the Botanical gardens, photographer by his friend Bill JAY. 1980. 2017. Courtesy Magnum Photos
The round-up of the last wild horses in the desert of Arizona. 1980. Courtesy Magnum Photos
Kennilworth Elementary school in Phoenix where the students get into the spirit of Halloween celebrations with the help of a dressed up teacher. 1979. Courtesy Magnum Photos
On the road from California to Arizona via Joshua Tree Forest. 1979. Courtesy Magnum Photos
Phoenix. Preemie Baby unit at St Joseph’s Hospital. She has a head too large by half for her body. With little to flesh them out, her features are skull-tight and wizaned. Her arms and legs are no thicker than her mothers fingers. Her ears have no cartilage. Not long ago she would have been a miscarried fetus, not a baby. To-day she is a Preemie baby, although barely 2lb, destined to survive to be a normal child. 1980.Courtesy Magnum Photos
Phoenix is one of the fastest growing cities in the USA. Posters abound promoting the fact that it is a great place to live. 1979.Courtesy Magnum Photos
Winter cactus garden. Paper cups to protect against night frosts. 1992.Courtesy Magnum Photos
Latest on Huck
Is the UK ready for a Kabaddi boom?
Kabaddi, Kabaddi, Kabaddi — Watched by over 280 million in India, the breathless contact sport has repeatedly tried to grip British viewers. Ahead of the Kabaddi World Cup being held in Wolverhampton this month, Kyle MacNeill speaks to the gamechangers laying the groundwork for a grassroots scene.
Written by: Kyle MacNeill
One photographer’s search for her long lost father
Decades apart — Moving to Southern California as a young child, Diana Markosian’s family was torn apart. Finding him years later, her new photobook explores grief, loss and connection.
Written by: Miss Rosen
As DOGE stutters, all that remains is cringe
Department of Gargantuan Egos — With tensions splintering the American right and contemporary rap’s biggest feud continuing to make headlines, newsletter columnist Emma Garland explains how fragile male egos stand at the core of it all.
Written by: Emma Garland
Photo essay special: Despite pre-Carnival anxiety, Mardi Gras 2025 was a joyous release for New Orleans
A city celebrates — Following a horrific New Year’s Day terror attack and forecasts for extreme weather, the Louisiana city’s marquee celebration was pre-marked with doubt. But the festival found a city in a jubilant mood, with TBow Bowden there to capture it.
Written by: Isaac Muk
From his skating past to sculpting present, Arran Gregory revels in the organic
Sensing Earth Space — Having risen to prominence as an affiliate of Wayward Gallery and Slam City Skates, the shredder turned artist creates unique, temporal pieces out of earthly materials. Dorrell Merritt caught up with him to find out more about his creative process.
Written by: Dorrell Merritt
In Bristol, pub singers are keeping an age-old tradition alive
Ballads, backing tracks, beers — Bar closures, karaoke and jukeboxes have eroded a form of live music that was once an evening staple, but on the fringes of the southwest’s biggest city, a committed circuit remains.
Written by: Fred Dodgson