“There’s freedom in New York. The creativity is insane and the art is very communicative — there’s nowhere that compares.”
Hypebeast: What is your favorite part of your studio?
Delphine Diallo: It’s the open-plan space. The living room, the kitchen and table for people to eat, but also to share stories while being able to jump on for a shoot right after. There’s a huge 7m long window in the corner that lets in natural light, allowing us a little time to give to the magic. It’s a very intimate space, it has to be.
Why is it special to you?
One side is my creativity, my work, and on the other side, I’ve created a space for women to feel safe. I have a three-bedroom apartment that I’ve opened up to women from anywhere around the world. I’ve lived here for 12 years and have hosted 11 women so far. I’ve become a better person by holding myself accountable for the community, but it’s also my responsibility as a human.
When you’re manifesting your journey, you need a good environment. It’s like a garden, you have to choose to be in righteousness and feed the garden. When a woman comes, she’s looking for herself, I’m a little bit older, and I understand what she’s going through. She needs advice, I’m here. I can show her my example. What I’ve created is special to me and I’m very proud of the process.
What do you love about New York?
There’s freedom in New York. The creativity is insane and the art is very communicative — there’s nowhere that compares. Living somewhere like Bushwick for 12 years has allowed me to be around thousands of artists who enjoy the space. We’re a pool of creators who have different ideas, and the energy is constantly rising. Here, we speak openly, that’s why New York is more advanced when it comes to consciousness, awareness and self-expression.
You can’t hide in New York. If you’re not good, you gotta go. People won’t tell you if you’re bad, but they just won’t pay attention to you. For some people, it might be too much before starting a career but I think it’s important to be pushed to the challenge. Taking the risk of an adventurous journey “Are you daring to fully be yourself during the creative process?”
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wazup.