No. 28: Dione Davis
Cache by Michael Haneke, a photo of Eartha Kitt, Vollmond by Pina Bausch, Love Songs By Robert Battle and Atelier Brancusi
Dione Davis is a New York-based stylist and creative director with a background in performing arts and creative writing. She’s worked with Proenza Schouler, Gemsun, The Real Real and recently styled a beautiful cover of Numéro Netherlands. These days my style leans ballerina 90% of the time, hence why I love that Dione’s heart for dance speaks through her styling and creative. From Dione –
I. a movie
I didn’t realize I was a Michael Haneke stan until I watched Cache and The Piano Teacher in the same night. I was introduced to his work by watching the US adaptation of Funny Games, then going to watch the original. I really enjoy his contempt for society and privilege. He gets away with showing the ugliest sides of people in a way that doesn’t feel like it’s pandering. I find it incredibly inspiring when an artist can put a critical mirror up to oneself and one’s culture as a form of catharsis.
II. a photo of Eartha Kitt and her dog on the beach
I adore any old photographs of black joy. Especially when it’s black women feeling liberated and having a good time. I think that’s always been the blueprint of my life. My vision board is just Zeba Blay Sunday carousels.
III. a choreographer
I am obsessed with the choreography, set design, and use of the element of water in the exquisite Vollmond by Pina Bausch. She is one of my favorite expressionist choreographers. Her style is so dramatic, vulnerable, and sexy. Her unbridled creativity sparks so much joy in me as a former dancer.
IV. a show
To riff off of choreographers who spark joy, I have to discuss Love Songs by Robert Battle which filled me with ecstasy watching it at the post covid season opener for Alvin Ailey. The music is a live recording of a very young Stevie Wonder and the movements are bold, joyous, and full of synergy. Also, the costumes are bright, and features unisex corsetry. I adore this piece.
V. a studio
I love visiting sculptor Constantin Brancusi’s studio that was taken over by the state just steps away from Centre Pompidou. It’s such a beautiful and inspiring place to go when I am feeling stuck in the creative process. Seeing the work space of such a creative mind transports me to another dimension and helps breathe life back into myself to continue working. If you see me there staring at Princess X, no you didn’t.
~ bulletin ~
los angeles
Open: Olive Diamond’s show To Be Sung and Remembered at Anat Ebgi — read her affection archives feature here. Hannah Brown’s show Hollow Pond at Anat Ebgi. Photographer Senta Simond’s first solo show Dissonance at Webber Gallery. Oliver Lee Jackson’s Machines for the Spirit at Blum. Claire Grill’s Wich Language at M+B. Samantha Joy Groff’s Huntress at Half Gallery. David Byrd show at Matthew Brown. Group show featuring Robert Ryman, Richard Serra and Donald Judd at David Zwirner. Basquiat show at Gagosian. Inner Space featuring JB Blunk, Minjae Kim, Isamu Noguchi and more at Future Perfect. Pat Steir’s Painted Rain at Hauser & Wirth West Hollywood.
Saturday: A Goose Summer x Claudent pop up at Noto Botanics in Highland Park Store 12-3pm.
new york
Open: Yirui Jia’s Seasonist at Mitchell-Innes & Nash. Christopher Wool’s See Stop Run at 101 Greenwich St. Luigi Zuccheri’s show at Karma. Max Lamb’s Inventory at Salon 94 Design. Group show Adrift on the Lonely Etheric Ocean opens at The Hole including Andie Dinkin, Thomas Barger, Sam Lipp and more. Richard Prince’s Early Photography (1977 - 1987) at Gagosian. Group show AFTER HOURS at Turn Gallery featuring work by Aglaé Bassens, Mary Corman, and Andy Mister. Kiyoshi Tsuchiya’s Readers at Canada Gallery. Dana Frankfort’s Life and Death at Olympia. Grace Wales Bonner gathered 50+ artworks from MoMa’s collection that explore sounds, movement and performance for Spirit Movers. No One Thing: David Smith, Late Sculptures at Hauser & Wirth. Women Dressing at The Met.