Last week, after receiving an announcement through the "internet grapevine", I went to see the work of Delphine Diallo and ended up having quite a unique experience. The collaged photograph on the invitation intrigued me so much that I decided I would go and see her work up close and in-person. I hadn't encountered Ms. Diallo's work before but it was reminiscent of the renowned photographer Peter Beard's style. I rsvp'ed to the event and asked for a confirmation. Radio silence. I decided to go anyway. Little did I know that I'd be crashing her private art viewing party.
As soon as I walked into the studio space on 20th Street, I could tell that I had stumbled into a party that was a little bit more "exclusive" than I expected. The space was small and intimate. Everyone knew each other and exchanged the hugs, kisses and banter of familiar friends. I was the orange at this party of apples. But, life is entirely too short to pass up an interesting opportunity, so I stayed and eased my way into the mix...
Delphine Diallo Art Viewing
HOW TO CRASH AN ART SHOW 101
Step Number One: Have a glass of wine. If someone asks how you know the artist, take a sip...after enough sips a creative answer will come to mind.
Step Number Two: Talk to the other guests as if you know you are supposed to be there.
Step Number Three: Go ahead and chat up the artist and blow your cover (which is not so undercover anyway).
Step Number Four: Have a good time.
Ms. Delphine Diallo, the artist, stood out in the crowd. She is quite a striking figure though petite in stature. Fresh faced and flawless skinned, she evoked in person the same commanding presence her subjects evoke in her work. It is no wonder that she refers to the women she shoots as "Queens" but also as her peers. Spanning the perimeter of the space were black and white photographs of African women and men, in shades from light brown to ebony; mysterious yet calmingly natural. Elements of collaged materials surrounded the images at their border and were sometimes superimposed over the images to create a photocollage. The fixed photographs combined with the ephemeral and transient nature of the collaged items that surrounded them, (a Metrocard, receipts, letters, stamps, textiles and flowers) seemed to illustrate the passage of time while simultaneously capturing the permanence of that one single moment.
The work of Delphine Diallo
I get an insight into Ms. Diallo's background from crowd. She was born in Paris to French and Senegalese heritage. She is a woman who wears many hats; photographer, art director, film maker, artist. One of her friends tells me that Ms. Diallo did the cover art for Les Nubian's latest album Nu Revolution, featuring fellow Afropeans, Hélène and Célia Faussart. I mentioned to a British African woman that Ms. Diallo's work reminded me of Peter Beard. She told me that in fact Delphine Diallo knows Peter Beard and has worked with him. A third woman, a stylist, told me she is a big fan of Ms. Diallo and travels from show to show to see her.
After awhile, I decided it was time to blow my cover (as out in the open as it was) and speak to the artist. Delphine Diallo is gracious, friendly and effervescent...and kind enough not to mention that I have been sauntering around her party uninvited. When I ask her how long the show will be open, she tells me that this viewing is just for tonight. I mention that her work reminds me of Peter Beard. She lit up and says that she works with him and then points to a photograph of "Monica" that is reminiscent of his style.
I hint to Ms. Diallo that I suspect that I crashed her party. She laughs and with a sincere and sweet smile, confirms that the event was invite only. But she doesn't dwell on that matter and allows me to take some pictures of the event after I ask if it is ok.
So how did I get the invitation? I don't know.
But Ms. Diallo's friend, another fresh-faced gentlemen, turns to me and says "You are here because you were supposed to be here. That is why you are here. You are supposed to be."
And for that reason, I am glad I came.
We will be featuring some of Ms. Diallo's work at our exhibit opening next week entitled "Under African Skies". Please feel free to come to our opening - there will be many people who don't know eachother! Thursday, July 14, 6:00-8:00 pm at Tria Gallery at 531 West 25th Street.
Please check out our website under "upcoming exhibits": www.triagallerynyc.com.
Cheers!
Paige Bart, Director
Tria Gallery
Posted by: Paige Bart | 07/05/2011 at 05:45 PM