Born in 1980 in Dakar, Senegal, Omar Victor Diop’s work combines the visual arts, fashion and photographic portraiture, drawing inspiration from historical and contemporary references, as well as from the world of fashion and design. He is particularly fond of mixing photography with other art forms, including textile design, fashion design and creative writing, to bring his inspiration to life. This self-taught artist continues in the tradition of African studio photography, often adopting and applying the genre’s codes to self-portraits.
Blending cultural heritage and contemporary questioning, while exploring his own identity through a multitude of roles and contexts, Diop questions the stereotypes associated with depictions of black people by hijacking visual codes and audience expectations. Whether using historical re-enactments, scenes from everyday life or specific references, the artist combines aesthetics, humor and criticism with a subversive approach to traditional incarnations.
Omar Victor Diop is represented by Galerie Magnin-A.