By Pietro Proglio
Recently, Acme Studios presented an exhibition titled “Dan Hallman: The Dutch Years” by Dan Hallman, a famed American-Argentinian photographer and artist. Mr. Hallman is the spouse of the Argentinian Ambassador, H.E. Mr. Mario Oyarzábal. During his stay in the Netherlands, Mr. Hallman has been focused on creating a personal collection after leaving a twenty-year commercial and editorial photography career in New York.
The vernissage attracted a distinguished audience, including several ambassadors, diplomats, and prominent figures from the international community. Diplomat Magazine had the opportunity to interview Mr. Hallman. What follows is a transcript of the insightful conversation, in which he delves into the key themes of his work, the influence of his global experiences on his artistic journey, and the impact of Dutch culture on his creative process.
Interview with Dan Hallman
What are some key themes that you explore in your abstract photography and text-based artworks?
For the text-based work, each piece has a personal story or relation to someone I know, but the viewer brings their own interpretation of the text, which is what I prefer. Knowing my reasoning behind the text is sometimes interesting to people, but first, I want them to bring their own energy to the work. They are witty, some with hidden messages, thought-provoking, dark humor, and just plain funny, and the viewer should determine that for themselves.
Regarding my abstract photography, I am inspired by Abstract Expressionist and Minimalist artists. Each image challenges the viewer with an initial “Is this a painting, drawing, or photograph?” Aside from each having a personal meaning or memory to me—facing the death of my mother, the joys (and difficulties) of living as an ex-pat, or finding beauty in everyday scenarios—the viewer brings their own interpretation to the image. What I was doing, thinking, or which painter I am referencing is not of huge importance, but most people ask me the back story or “What is this,” and I am happy to answer.
Mr. Hallman, your husband’s diplomatic career has allowed you to travel the world and experience diverse cultures, namely the Dutch and Argentinian. How has this dynamic of constant change and the need to adapt influenced your artistic journey?
The constant change has given me different parts of the world to explore with my camera. It is different traveling on holiday and making my abstract photos vs. living somewhere and really exploring. For the text pieces, meeting new people from different cultures and listening to our conversations, I sometimes pull an idea from something someone has said or made me laugh/think. Usually, with a slight spin on the quote to make it my own.
Since relocating to the Netherlands following your husband’s appointment as Ambassador, you have described these years as highly inspirational and productive. How has Dutch culture shaped your creative process?
Culturally in the Netherlands, just being relaxed and welcomed by friendly Dutch people has been very inspiring and freeing. Having access to such amazing museums, galleries, and art fairs has been a huge joy. From the Rijks to Foam to Kunstmuseum to Art Rotterdam to Unseen—I am finding much inspiration from visiting various exhibitions. I can hop on my bike and go to my favorite museum, the Voorlinden, anytime I wish.
Has your art had any impact on your husband’s diplomatic work, or has your engagement in the arts opened new diplomatic opportunities?
I have helped Mario appreciate the arts more, which is an important factor for understanding a foreign culture and building bridges with different peoples and communities, which is, in the end, an important part of a diplomat’s work. It also gives him something different to discuss at dinners other than work!
I am part of a group called the Ambassadors’ Spouses’ Association, and the spouses have been very supportive of my work, coming to a show I had in February and now this one, and visiting my studio at various times over the past four years. It is nice to have my “colleagues’” support.
About the author: Pietro Proglio is a World Politics student at Leiden University College.
