'The Terrace', Darlene and Me, by Anja Niemi (2014)
Norwegian photographer, model and stylist, Anja Niemi, has a new exhibit of work at The Little Black Gallery, here in London, entitled Darlene and Me and this is simply a short post to encourage torpedophiles to visit if they have the opportunity to do so as she's a talent greatly deserving of attention.
Her flawless compositions leave one breathless, not only because of their beauty, their coldness, and their cruelty, but due to their vacuum packed, entirely self-contained character; what we might call their lack of atmosphere.
In other words, Ms Niemi has a genius for creating a unique photographic space about herself (in both senses of the phrase); one that is anonymous, alien and uninviting. Lovely scenes to look at, but not to step into or dream of inhabiting. (Besides, the last thing anyone in her pictures is looking for is a little company.)
There is, somewhat regrettably, a narrative tacked onto each series of photos, including this one; Darlene is an unsuccessful salesgirl and beauty counselor ... Darlene is carrying around a case full of unsold lipsticks and make-up samples ... Darlene is living in a rented house in sixties California ... Blah, blah, blah.
None of this matters and, thankfully, the images don't merely seek to communicate an all-too-human story, or invite a banal interpretation. For this is photography degree zero; an ironic and indifferent exercise in style that is neither defined by nor confined within a conventional social or ethical context of meaning.
Note: Darlene and Me is exhibited at The Little Black Gallery, 13A, Park Walk, London, SW10 0AJ until March 10th, 2015. Admission free. Opening hours: Tuesday and Thursday 11am - 1pm and 2 - 6pm. Saturday 11am - 4pm, or by appointment.
