The Dahls Life by Dana Donaty
The Dahls Shop coming soon
Prints on canvas, prints on paper, merchandise & 'The Dahls Life' book
The Dahls are a series of photographs chronicling the lives of two anatomical models. I did not intentionally set out to personify inanimate objects, it just sort of happened. I first began photographing them in my studio during the summer of 2006. Two full years would
pass before I showed the photographs to anyone. The Dahl’s Life is a personal journey, witnessed by, and absorbed through my lens. It is a compilation of unique stories and memories, rendered surreal by their mere presence. The Dahls existence and essence tap directly into the Dana World frequency. A world bathed in colorful imagination and wild flights of fancy. In my world I pretend the pressures of modernity aren’t closing in; 24/7 instant messaging doesn’t exist. The Dahls are an extension of my world, blissfully unaware of the demands thrust upon us by the “real” world. They don’t have to remember 52 passwords, they don't have to keep up with my 492 Facebook friends, and they rarely Tweet. The Dahls enjoy Marvin Gaye, adventure, some humans, travel (they’ve just returned from Columbia and The Galapagos), art, shoes, scuba diving, frozen waffles, watermelon, champagne, and pounding their American Express Card. They love all the good life has to offer. In photos of The Dahls, I see their story unfold. I hear their voices. Their stories are my stories. The Dahls are a testament to life lived authentically, and with passion, as I live my own. They are me, though of course, they are not. Sometimes they represent what I want to be. One thing is for certain, The Dahls aren’t terribly over thought. I never considered reaction to The Dahls from the world at large. I don’t think that way, The Dahls and I live in the here and now. The idea that anyone might take issue with my playing with them in public simply did not occur to me. Response to The Dahls has been surprising, running the gamut, from mild curiosity and amusement, to those who ask to be photographed with them. Then there are those who slowly, silently, back away with their children. Apparently, outside of Dana World, there is a cut off date to playing with dolls, and I am long past that age. I’ve noticed a trajectory to social acceptance of my Dahls. Those made uncomfortable by their presence are less so when children show an interest. Suddenly it’s ok for me to play with them too, or at least not quite as bizarre. If another adult joins in, or finds them amusing, the weird factor drops further. Eventually, in many instances, the person who was initially uncomfortable, relaxes and fully participates in the madness. Though sadly, some never do. The Dahls are pioneering a miniature radical philosophical and anthropological revolution, all the unintended result of playing with Dahls in public. You are welcome to release your inhibitions and join us on this lighthearted and semi-enchanted journey. www.thedahlslife.com
www.danadonaty.com
