By combining photography with other art forms, Omar Victor Diop’s output includes everything from fine art to fashion, design and portrait photography. His most important tool is the artistic self-portrait, which is used to highlight complex issues in the politics of representation, community and self-actualization. Omar Victor Diop’s photographs are characterized by a carefully staged, dramatic picture gallery, where the artist himself is seen in both the main and supporting roles.
Self-portraits have become a way for me to embody historical figures that are relevant to discussions even today. When they are all depicted with the same face, they become part of the same human army marching towards humanism, dignity and humanity. For me, the fact that I could have been one of them is also reinforced. Through my work, I want to pay tribute to these people, says Omar Victor Diop.
In the exhibition, Diop’s most prominent projects are shown together for the first time: Allegoria, Diaspora and Liberty . Diaspora (2014) draws inspiration from classic Western portraits from the 16th century to the 19th century. But here black people are depicted who held various important positions at this time – at the European courts, in science or in politics and social life – and who are often missing from traditional historiography. The series draws on historical paintings, plays with connections to our own time, and highlights prominent Africans from the past 400 years who have lived extraordinary lives.
In Liberty (2017) subtitled A Universal Chronology of Black Protest , Omar Victor Diop interprets historical protest movements in the black freedom struggle, from anti-apartheid movements in South Africa and civil rights struggles in the United States, the Caribbean and Europe to the contemporary Black Lives Matter movement. Here, what defines and unites these global struggles for equality and human rights is explored.
Diop’s latest project Allegoria (2021) theorizes about the climate crisis and what impact it has above all on the African continent. In these vibrant, metaphorical and paradise-like photographs, the artist himself is seen in an impressive and carefully created picture gallery of flora and fauna. The images borrow elements from classical painting, religious iconography and the West African studio portrait tradition, but also take inspiration from science books and encyclopedias. The artist reflects here on the fate of humanity after natural disasters and environmental destruction and how we can secure a better future with joint power.
– We are proud and happy to present Omar Victor Diop’s colorful visual world, composed of historical reflections and future visions. With a critical eye, Diop looks back at the writing of history and highlights those who have many times been relegated to the periphery of history. His latest series Allegoria quietly reflects on everyone’s shared present and asks questions about how we together shape our future, says Johan Vikner, Director of Global Exhibitions at Fotografiska.
The exhibition at Fotografiska Stockholm is based on an exhibition created by Autograph in 2018 in London (curated by Renée Mussai and Mark Sealy ). Curated by Renée Mussai, this touring exhibition reflects the publication Omar Victor Diop (5 Continents Editions, 2021). The exhibition is organized for Fotografiska by Johan Vikner in collaboration with Autograph, London and Gallery MAGNIN-A, Paris.
