Libel

“Libel” an exhibit in photographs and words, invites viewers to envision alternate explanations of what we see and examine the preconceptions we bring to seeing.

“Libel” - An exhibit in photographs and words by Diana Mara Henry

“Libel” an exhibit in photographs and words, challenges our acceptance of the photographic image and its associated caption as truth. Taking a reflective and provocative detour from her “straight” newspaper reporting and photojournalism, Diana Mara Henry here invites viewers to envision alternate explanations of what we see and examine the preconceived notions we bring to seeing. 

“I heaped truth on some people’s heads and lies on others. In most cases, I don’t know whether truth or lies. I discovered it was easier to assign words stereotypically, but more amusing to find obviously fraudulent applications. I paid some attention to the placement of the word on the image. I was careful not to disguise any identity. I hope those who see themselves will have as much fun as I did.” Visitors to the exhibit in 1991 at the Pacific Grove Arts Center were offered labels to libel themselves with as well, and most did. Some engaged by wearing multiple labels and seeing how they related to others they met was a playful interactive way for viewers to participate.

The photographs used in “Libel” include photographs of the artist’s family and friends, portraits made for the Lighthouse for the Blind, the NYC Commission on Human Rights and various other commercial assignments. The “red flag words” used were taken from “Synopsis of the Law of Libel and the Right of Privacy” by Bruce W. Sanford, Baker and Hostetler, publishers. Diana Mara Henry’s Libel project, comprising 99 photographs (twenty-seven of which are in the exhibit), was first created for Gustave Harrow’s course, “Art and the Law” at New York University’s School of Arts Administration.