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DIAMOND ART EXHIBITION
by Chris Colemont
Meeting
Donald Barry Woodrow:
“All my passion is in my photography”
“I will meet you at the bottom of the steps in the big hall” he replied when I announced my travel schedule to see him in Antwerp where this internationally renowned photographer from New York lives and works since 1979.
Walking down the steps in Antwerp’s monumental railway station on my arrival, I spotted the cowboy hat first in the crowd of travellers, then Mr. Woodrow pacing back and forth, engaged in a phone call. With his white hair in a ponytail under a large black-and-white Stetson, Donald Barry Woodrow has lost nothing of his youthful charm. A warm smile welcomed me…
His mobile phone still glued to his ear, he waved to follow him into the street, to his awaiting car. Off we went to a place where I could have a look at the impressive photo gallery of his illustrious career and most recent artwork.
Although this was not the first time we met, it was our first one to one encounter. On previous occasions, I had run into Donald at BaselWorld and other diamond and jewellery trade fairs abroad or simply at a corner in the highly secured diamond area in Antwerp. A few times we happened to attend the same event, both absorbed in our respective photographic work. This time was quite different. As a great admirer of his photographs I had anxiously looked forward to this day.
We all know at least some of Donald’s seductive photography, each work above and beyond perfection. They travel around the world, are featured in luxurious magazines, in glossy catalogues of high jewellery houses, make the cover of diamond trade magazines, and of course, circulate on internet. The most famous diamond brands are amongst his long-time clients for Mr. Woodrow established himself as the world’s leading specialist in diamond photography.
Starting his career in fashion, shooting gorgeous models for Versace in Milan, there was one day a rendez-vous with destiny when he was asked if he could also photograph a diamond. It didn’t take long for Donald to realize that shooting the hardest and most brilliant stone on the planet was a different game all together, but a fascinating one that kept him going and growing in the field of diamond photography. Over the years, record breaking stones such as the De Beers Centenary diamond, a 273.85 ct flawless diamond rated in colour as grade D, and recently the 302.37 ct Graff Lesedi La Rona, the world’s largest square emerald cut diamond, were his ‘models’. Breathtaking as they are, it is no sinecure to do those diamonds justice capturing their alluring sparks, flashes of fire, in a photograph.
We may not always be aware that the photocredit for those stunning images goes to Donald Barry Woodrow. But we have seen the photographs with the glamourous models holding the stones to their dark skin, between there elegant fingertips, or against the light in compelling black and white pictures.
On 27 May 2019, the “100 Years Brilliant” celebrations in the heart of the diamond district in Antwerp wouldn’t have been complete without a giant wall photograph by Donald Barry Woodrow, featuring the much desired brilliant cut and a quote of its creator, Marcel Tolkowsky.
Lesser known is a more fun and artistic side of his photography, or should I say, “of how his mind works”. After decades of travelling the globe to shoot celebrities and all things beautiful, from the Dalai Lama to Princess Grace of Monaco’s personal jewellery, Donald decided it was about time to have an exhibition, the first in Belgium.
In the era of computers and digital photography he found a way to express his creativity, exploring the opportunities that new technology offers. They are the perfect tool for him to design perfect surreal photocompositions that tell a story on different levels or layers, but are first of all eye-pleasing, superb images…. a sheer joy to view and take in. Always surpassing the highest standards, challenging himself to innovate, as Donald Woodrow says: “to make sure it is to the extreme end of creativity”.
At the end of a magical working afternoon, a selection had been made for Collection readers. Oddly enough, neither of us had used a camera nor done any shooting…
Collection Pan-Arab Luxury Magazine is honoured and proud to present this preview selection of what is to come in the October exhibition in Antwerp, in particular to put the spotlight on the unique talent and flamboyant character of the diamond photographer-with-the-Stetson himself.
Enjoy this artwork by Donald Barry Woodrow, born in New York City on 7 October 1946. For more www.donaldwoodrow.com
“DIAMONDS, DREAMS, DEMONS”
Diamond Art Exhibition – 17 October 2019
Donald Barry Woodrow & Senne Van Loock
Galerie Van Campen & Rochtus
Leopold de Waelplaats 24a – 2000 Antwerpen – Belgium
