Birmingham’s David Diodate is responsible for some of the city’s most enticing artistic works. An incredibly talented photographer with a unique eye, Diodate brings a new perspective to the photography world, utilizing ancient Greek art methods to create memorable must-have modern pieces.
“I constantly am doing photography of a variety subject matter that mostly is indicative to a Southern feel or place,” writes Diodate. “In some pieces, I incorporate old books, found objects, old photographs, and tintypes along with encaustic.”
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Diodate has a fascinating story that starts in his early 20s. It was at this time that he was given the chance to take his artistic studies to Paris. With a primary interest in contemporary art, the requirement to participate in photographic studies served as a change of pace which he welcomed as a challenge. Prior to the trip, he conducted his own research on the photography process and trademarks.
This translated to hours spent analyzing photographic works by artists from Nadar and Cameron to Avedon and Mann. Inspired by the artistic spirit, he continued on until he found the work of Doug and Mike Starn. The works were categorized by sections of tearing and imperfection.
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They seemed utterly removed from the art he had seen in his recent studies, yet he respected the way in which they pushed the limits of creativity. It was this discovery that gave Diodate the feeling that he could utilize photography as a form of his own interpretations.
With this newfound inspiration, Diodate searched for his subject. He found it in the ominous angles and vignettes of the large cemeteries around the area. This interest led to a 10-year process of photographing cemeteries in various cities.
“I am inspired to photograph images that express tranquility or a secret moment. Many images are inspired by personal moments growing up in the South. The photographs are of mostly rural things, places, or scraps/discard; almost always a chance event. I love the forgotten and weathered decay of any environment; unique objects that resonate a personal history or that I just stumble upon.”
Diodate utilizes a variety of methods to give his work that desired dream-like effect. “The physical work is serene and rough almost simultaneously; always allowed to be imperfect. My hope is to express an arcane beauty that dwells within a modern nostalgia. Ultimately all the pieces are one-of-a-kind testaments to forgotten places which hopefully become portals to a viewer’s memory and past histories.”
Find out more about Diodate, see his works, and read his full story here.[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]
