LOS ANGELES, CA.-De Soto gallery presents La Chute (The Fall), an exhibition of photographs by French photographer Denis Darzacq, on view through February 23, 2008. This is Darzacq's first solo exhibition in the United States.

In the wake of the riots and violent clashes that took place in housing projects in suburban France in 2005, Denis Darzacq photographed ordinary-looking young men and women on desolate city streets seemingly floating in mid-air or plunging to the ground. In actuality, the subjects in the photographs are hip-hop dancers and athletes carefully directed by Darzacq caught suspended in motion as they launched themselves into space. The title, La Chute, which translates in English to The Fall, reflects a sense of urgency and uncertainty about the plight of younger generations growing up in troubling times, not just in Paris but in all of Europe
and beyond.

As much as La Chute represents disenfranchised youth, it also speaks to their energy and potential. The plasticity of these kinetic bodies attest to a certain power and resilience against the bleakness of the urban landscape. Each image is a dreamlike meditation about possibilities, desire, and expectation, posing more questions than answers.

Denis Darzacq has had numerous solo exhibitions throughout France, as well as Japan, the Netherlands and Iran. His work is held by France's Centre Pompidou, Fond National d'Art Contemporain, Musée Carnavalet, Cité de l'immigration and other major collections. He was the recipient of the Altadis Prize in 2000 and the World Press Photo Prize (Arts and Entertainment category) in 2007. Darzacq lives and works in Paris.