Layered contradictions

Malik Dieleman is a photographer and multidisciplinary artist. CC spoke with Dieleman about the vision behind his first solo art exhibition, Already, Not Yet.

Maaike VanderMeer: Where does the title, Already, Not Yet, come from?

Malik Dieleman: As my project developed, I had several themes in mind: nostalgia, being “in between” and the tension of confidence and mystery in my Christian faith. The phrase “Already, Not Yet” actually comes from a theological concept that describes the times we live in. We are already living in the kingdom of God, but not yet in its full glory. The title ties each of these themes together in a poetic way. I also use two opposing words to title each work ( “Here, Beyond” / “Once, Again” / “Seed, Harvest,” etc.).

VanderMeer: You’ve made cyanolumen art for this exhibition. Can you describe the process of cyanolumen and why you chose it?

Dieleman: During my photography program at Ontario College of Art & Design University (OCAD U), I took a “historical processes” course, which taught some alternative darkroom processes, including cyanotypes. This process involves combining chemical compounds to create a light-sensitive solution. This solution can then be coated on paper, left to dry and then used to create a contact print with a negative pressed against the paper. These are exposed using UV light, then washed and dried, creating a bright blue and white print. The cyanolumen process uses paper that is already light sensitive (in this case, RC darkroom paper). So, cyanotype chemicals are layered on top of photo paper. This can create a mix of different colouring and effects which I’ve come to love!

For Already, Not Yet, I am pushing this process one step further by using toners to alter the colours, and re-coating to create multiple exposures on a single paper. This whole process is highly unpredictable, which is definitely part of the appeal! Every print is unique.

VanderMeer: Did you make the works of art in this show with a single exhibition in mind, or did the exhibition theme develop naturally as you were making new work?

Dieleman: I’ve been playing around with the cyanolumen process for a few years now. When the opportunity came to put together a show, I knew I wanted to create an original series of work using this experimental process. Once I decided to use images from my time in France last year, the theme started coming into place!

I made a lot of experimental test prints leading up to the creation of the final images. I spent around 75 hours in the darkroom over the three months leading up to the show.

VanderMeer: Why did you choose not to include overtly religious symbols?

Dieleman: There is so much power and weight to religious symbols. Every artist must ask themselves how they are using them to convey their themes. As a visual artist who is a Christian, I’ve come to see that there are so many ways to depict and explore themes of faith in creative ways. There are so many examples even in Scripture: how the created world was formed in every detail; how Jesus told stories and struck imagination; how words were carefully strung together to form poems and songs; how the Spirit inspired with words and visions. How wonderful to know a God we can engage with in unique, creative ways!

VanderMeer: Which piece is your favourite? And why?

Dieleman: This is such a tough question. How can you pick between your babies? But, I’ll highlight the image I chose as the cover image: “Here, Beyond.” This was the first “final” print I made for this project. The original image was taken in my birth city of Aix-en-Provence, France. The viewer is looking up at trees typical of the region. It’s a very nostalgic image for me. The resulting mix of warm and cool colours connects to that bittersweetness of nostalgia – how contrasting feelings can be present at once. The upward angle serves as a pointer to look through and beyond our here and now and onto a greater hope.

VanderMeer: What was it like, opening your first solo exhibition?

Dieleman: The opening reception of this show was so special – one of those moments that I’ll never forget! It was a great turnout, with over 70 people attending: friends, family members, other artists and photographers, my pastor, former clients and even a former photography professor of mine. It truly felt like a celebration of the hard work put into building the show. What a joy for any artist to share their work with the world!

One thing I really appreciated was how each piece got some love – over the course of the night, each of the 13 art pieces were mentioned as being someone’s favourite! That was truly a gift. I’m so thankful to God for this opportunity. It’s been wonderful to see God at work throughout this whole process.

VanderMeer: How should people approach art in a gallery?

Dieleman: Art is so much more than just what you see on a wall or in a frame or in a book. It’s about exploring ideas visually in fresh, beautiful and thought-provoking ways. Read artist statements! They are there to give you a peek inside the mind of the artist and help you understand the work. Also, there is art for everyone. If you don’t enjoy or connect with a piece of art, I guarantee there’s another one that you will!

This interview has been edited for clarity and length.