Fotografiska Berlin is about to get lit with the visionary works of Senegal’s own Omar Victor Diop. The man flips the script on history, giving a megaphone to the under-told stories of the diaspora and defiance. His art? It’s more than just a pic—it’s a whole dialogue with ancestors who kicked butt across the globe, from civil rights to eco-warriors fighting our planet’s fever. He high-key becomes every character in his ornate, theatrical shots.
Omar himself spilling the tea on his radical self-portraiture:
“Self-portraiture has become a way for me to embody historical figures that are important and relevant to current social conversations. Having them all appear with the same face they become a part of the same human army marching towards progress, dignity, and humanity. For me, it emphasises the fact that I could have been one of them. Through my work, I pay homage to them.”
Drop in to peep at three killer series—Diaspora, Liberty, and Allegoria. From 15th-century style to pop culture swag, Diaspora (2014) reps those black VIPs in Euro history books. Liberty (2017) is all about that global black resistance life. Allegoria (2021)? A trippy, lush look at Earth on the brink.
Johan Vikner, global head honcho of exhibitions, is buzzing to show off Diop’s colors and calls to action. This guy stares history in the face and doesn’t blink—plus he’s got some real questions about what’s next for all of us.
Past Meets Present Meets Art:
Originally cooked up by Autograph in London back in 2018 and now served up fresh at Fotografiska Berlin, Diop’s exhibition is infamous—curated for Fotografiska by the dream team: Vikner, Marina Paulenka, and Yolandé Gouws.
Shout out to Autograph, London and Gallery MAGNIN-A, Paris for making it happen.
Omar Victor Diop’s Self-Portraits Serve Historical Fierceness and a Heavy Dose of Activism
When? 18.1.2024 – 21.4.2024
Kicking off? THU, 18.1.2024, 6–11 pm
Fotografiska Berlin
Oranienburgerstr. 54, 10117 Berlin, Germany
Get your art fix daily from 10 am to 11 pm
Join the convo on Insta:
@fotografiska.berlin
@omar_viktor
#OmarVictorDiop
Explore more at Fotografiska’s site
