La Chute (The Fall). In the wake of the riots and violent clashes that took place in housing projects in suburban France in 2005, Darzacq photographed ordinary-looking young men and women on desolate city streets seemingly floating in mid-air or plunging to the ground.
De Soto gallery presents La Chute (The Fall), an exhibition of photographs by French
photographer Denis Darzacq. This is Darzacq's first solo exhibition in the United
States.
In the wake of the riots and violent clashes that took place in housing projects in
suburban France in 2005, Denis Darzacq photographed ordinary-looking young men and
women on desolate city streets seemingly floating in mid-air or plunging to the
ground. In actuality, the subjects in the photographs are hip-hop dancers and
athletes carefully directed by Darzacq caught suspended in motion as they launched
themselves into space. The title, La Chute, which translates in English to The Fall,
reflects a sense of urgency and uncertainty about the plight of younger generations
growing up in troubling times, not just in Paris but in all of Europe
and beyond.
As much as La Chute represents disenfranchised youth, it also speaks to their energy
and potential. The plasticity of these kinetic bodies attest to a certain power and
resilience against the bleakness of the urban landscape. Each image is a dreamlike
meditation about possibilities, desire, and expectation, posing more questions than
answers.
Denis Darzacq has had numerous solo exhibitions throughout France, as well as Japan,
the Netherlands and Iran. His work is held by France's Centre Pompidou, Fond
National d'Art Contemporain, Musée Carnavalet, Cité de
l'immigration and other major collections. He was the recipient of the Altadis Prize
in 2000 and the World Press Photo Prize (Arts and Entertainment category) in 2007.
Darzacq lives and works in Paris.
Opening Night reception: Saturday, January 12, 8 to 10pm
De Soto gallery
108 W 2nd St. - Los Angeles