Zabo ChabilanD
Graduation series.
International Center of Photography.
New York. 1988
International Center of Photography.
New York. 1988
Barium silver prints. 240X60 cm.
Strong images. Nocturnal neighborhoods and fleshy puddles. Unforgettable areas of pitted carnations, blurred by nebulae of hair, ravished and swollen by signs of life.
Zabo Chabiland photographs the beauty of the imperfect. Each subject captured seems to have this requirement: to be seen like this. This is how the artist fixes them. So we look at them. The shadow swallows up the obvious contours but sometimes allows anatomical attributes to grow, such as an eye or an ear, which become heraldic figures. A convinced fist carrying a man's torch emerges from the black background. Pure pride of flesh. A ravaged child's face imposes its fury as a victim. Compation for the stone. A stretched neck suitable for all caresses, submits with all its whiteness. Spectrum fineness. The viewer, initially reluctant, has reflexes of tenderness for his unhealthy works. They are almost decadence taken under a screen of light. The photographer's work exhibits body shame with peaceful violence. Surprised by what displeases, by the inevitable failures. Admitted that no one is beyond reach. Composition, models, close-ups like warning shots. Views of mortals.
Muriel Chalandre
Opus International n°122
Sélection Arles 1988
Nikon Live Galerie, Zurich