THE BLACK PROJECT
1988-1992

Series of 22 “black on black” portraits. Silver prints on linen canvas.
(50x50 cm / 90x90 cm).
 At first, the eye perceives only a surface that is
 both full and empty, uniform. Gradually, the eye
 adapts, distinguishing one by one the distinctive
 features of a face until it grasps it in its totality.

Note: renderings simulating the intermediate stage of the  vision of two of these photographic portraits which can not be reproduced by photography.







Shadows we perceive from the corner of our eye to the edge of our visual field, disappearing as soon as we turn our head. Combinations of physical and mental elements in constant motion. Permanence of the individual. Identification. Transcendence of life experiences...In 1988, starting with a sequential series of portraits, Zabo Chabiland initiated this investigation - the human condition as an anthropological study. Project: to confront the image of man with his diversity. Concept: subjects are recruited from the cosmopolitan streets of New York City. Race, age, build... Selection by physiognomic type. Models of humanity. Once in the studio, their faces and bodies are darkened. Eyes closed. An invitation to meditation. Subjectivity. Inner silence. Endless sessions. Laughter, joy, indifference, sadness, anger...all kinds of expressions are concealed. Facial colors are solemn. The irrational is perceived by neutralizing emotions. Only the features count. At the end of the process, the fundamental structures are developed on X-ray film without losing objectivity. Profiles and skin tones become tenuous under the black filter. Archaeology of the face, the emission image remains in suspense.

Catalogue “Identidade“
Encontros da imagem 1998










The Photographers’ Gallery. Londres



 
 
South-East Museum for Photography, Daytona Beach. 1992



John Debella
Analog print on linen monted on stretcher.
90X90 cm.
Unique print. 1992




Madeleine Schlumberger
Analog print on linen monted on stretcher.
50X50 cm.
Unique print. 1992





Louis Schlumberger
Analog print on linen monted on stretcher.
90X90 cm.
Unique print.
 1992





Lawrance Goldhuber
Analog print on linen monted on stretcher.
90X90 cm.
Unique print.
 1992



Nestor Pireddu
Analog print on linen monted on stretcher.
50X50 cm.
Unique print.
 1992





Charles David
Analog print on linen monted on stretcher.
50X50 cm.
Unique print.
 1992





“Illivisibilité” A.B. Galerie (Albert Benamou), Paris. 1993