Diane Wah: "Dark was the day, bright was the night"

Diane Wah: "Dark was the day, bright was the night". By K.K.W

"To photograph is to appropriate the thing photographed. It means putting ones self in a certain relation to the world that feels like knowledge, and therefore like power."(Susan Sontag, "On Photography" 1977).  

"Its a Harlem thing",

88"x 60". Archival inkjet 

print on Synthetic adhesive paper,

2010. Film-then digitally printed.
Photo courtesy of the artist.

Often enough, to photograph a subject is to contain its power within the confines of a moment, that may last forever. Diane Wah's near life size photos conveys this beyond a doubt. The two black & white prints I had first seen @ Dash gallery(DIY exhibit, curated by Derrick Adams, 2010). Both prints are more then likely 200 or 400 speed, film, giving them a grainy, slightly soft-focus look. The photos can be looked at as a representation of the reversal between the male and female roles in the modern world.  

"Its a Harlem thing"
88"x 60". Archival inkjet 
print on Synthetic adhesive paper,
2010. Film-then digitally printed.
Photo courtesy of the artist.

The male is wearing only socks with his genitals exposed, reminding one of various magazines, posters(adult and "otherwise") where females are displayed in such a way. The woman, whose face we don't see, is clothed, wearing a very short dress resting gently just beneath her...shapely bottom. Her back is turned yet her posture indicates a relaxed, playful mood. Mischief? One could see this also as a slight insult, playful as it is, not unlike one of Shakespeare's plays. Both figures seem as if trapped within their frames(a metaphor for their world, or the world in general?)and yet capable of leaving it at any moment. There is also subtle, yet powerful layer of darkness to the images that helps to convey a style all their own. Diane's photos are immense in there look, feel, style and what can be learned through them. Her photos are disturbing as they are intimate, tender, beautiful and pulsing with serious meaning. Her art is like her, amazing. If you would like to know more, go to: http://www.wahphoto.com/ "Art is the reason, art is the way".