The new series by this Canadian artist, on display at the David Zwirner Gallery, plays with juxtapositions. Here, in these fictional pictures, he confronts two time periods, that of the civil war in Angola and the emergence of Disco in New York.
The pictures in Disco Angola might, or might not, have existed. No matter, Stan Douglas, who will receive the ICP Infinity Award this May, is not seeking to recreate history, but uses two events in the ‘70’s to elaborate a particularly intriguing project. At the time, Angola was a country suffering from civil war with the local population fighting the Portuguese who were fleeing the country. In New York, nothing of the sort, just locals dancing to a new music fad called Disco. What is the relationship between these two social revolutions? Objectively, none. Except that Stan Douglas decided otherwise placing these fictional images side by side. The deadly conflict in Angola is pictured, by the artist, through civilians in perfect health, dancing with joy, surrounded by unharmed buildings and roads. The flared jeans and multicolored clothing are clearly visible, but we can only wonder about this western influence Douglas wants visitors to discover. Perhaps he wants us to realize that the war in Angola wasn’t only taking place in the streets, but also in disco clubs around the world.
According to the press release, “Stan Douglas’ pictures reveal the subtle parallels between the burgeoning disco culture and the fight for freedom in Angola”. If that were really the case, we would see Stan Douglas’ subjects as actors in the western influence on the country’s future. Through pictures of dance meetings among the rebels, to Portuguese fleeing, seated on their bags on dirt roads, through busy places or lost souls. Remembering of course that four of the eight scenes presented take place in New York. Business interests rapidly turned disco into a widespread popular movement, while conflicting interests of the world’s most powerful countries prohibited any hope of a peaceful end to the Angola conflict. A reflection reminiscent of Cindy Sherman or Jeff Wall. A not so obvious point of view that must be taken into account to avoid getting lost in Stan Douglas’ aesthetic masterpieces. But it requires resourcefulness and a certain appreciation of contemporary creation.
Jonas Cuénin
Disco Angola de Stan Douglas
Until April 28, 2012
Galerie David Zwirner
525 West 19th Street
New York, NY 10011
(212) 727-2070
