"All animals are equal but some animals are more equal than others."

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.

Body Builder - Amish Farmer

Young Boxer - Retired Boxer

Beauty Salon Customer - Man with Curlers

Lingerie Model - Woman in Girdle 

Catholic Nuns - Prostitutes 

Vegetarian - Butcher 

Fur Trapper - Woman in Fur

Amish Adolescents - Teen Punks

Mariachis - Elvis Impersonators 

French Chef - Short Order Cook 

Company President - Janitor 

Homeless Man - Real Estate Developer

Baptist Minister - Klu Klux Klan

Marine - War Vet

Bank Robber - Deputies

Gang Member - Mafioso 

Ballerina - Boxer 

Polygamist - Pimp 

If this doesn't directly underline the fact that we are all somehow connected, i don't know what will. 




"If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other."  - Mother Teresa