Clerestory Fine Art presents documentary photography by Montclair, NJ native Armando “OUTthere” Diaz.

Focusing on Montclair and Newark, NJ, Diaz has amassed a tremendous photographic archive numbering close to 50,000 images, out of which just 30 stellar photographs have been culled for limited printing and exhibition. Diaz’s work highlights icons of the local music community, portraits, and street photography. He sources inspiration from all walks of life, capturing graffiti artists, musicians, comedians, dancers, painters, and members of our community in full creative flow.


Claremont Avenue Fire, Montclair, NJ, 2015. Photo by Armando “OUTthere” Diaz.

With a background in music production and editing, Diaz has also amassed a large volume of video work which will be projected in the gallery, in addition to a flat screen monitor with images available for review and printing upon request.

As a long-time resident of Montclair, Diaz’s work bears witness to the changing landscape of northern New Jersey, whose rapid development threatens to disrupt existing communities. In this, Diaz carries on the tradition of Walker Evans, Robert Frank, and Henri Cartier-Bresson, but he transcends traditional documentary photography as an active participant in the very same communities he captures. His first-hand experience of the consequences of demographic and political shifts, and his dynamic, participatory style, combine to infuse his work with the energy and vitality of local communities and their people.

Special Events

An outpouring of community support for Diaz’s life and work will be evident in weekly music and DJ performances spanning all six weeks of the exhibition, which will be open to the public.


Gail Campbell performing at The Meatlocker, Montclair, NJ, 2018. Photo by Armando “OUTthere” Diaz.
  • Thursday, August 15, 7-9pm (at Clerestory Fine Art) Opening Reception
    Appearance by Comedian Ty Raney with performance by Janetza Maria Miranda
  • Thursday, August 22, 5:30-7pm (at Clerestory Fine Art) Panel Discussion
    Singer Gail Campbell and Photographer Armando “OUTthere” Diaz, Clerestory Fine Art
  • 9pm (at The MC Hotel, 690 Bloomfield Ave, Montclair)
    The MC HOTEL + Clerestory Fine Art Creative Takeover at Allegory

    Pop-up photo exhibition and performance by Gail Campbell, hosted by House Music Icon Eddie Nicholas

    Clerestory is proud to partner with the brand new MC Hotel in Montclair to showcase Armando “OUTthere” Diaz’s work with a pop-up photography exhibition, accompanied by an exciting performance by renowned Newark alternative and soul singer Gail Campbell, a subject frequently documented in Diaz’s photographic and video work. A 5:30pm panel discussion at Clerestory Fine Art between Diaz and Campbell about the relationship between photographer and performer will be followed at 9pm by a performance by Campbell in the MC Hotel Allegory Lounge, complete with photography by Diaz in the Allegory Marketplace, facing Bloomfield Avenue. The exterior of the building will be illuminated with projections and videography curated by Diaz.

  • Thursday, August 29, 8-10pm (at Clerestory Fine Art) Stand-up with Comedian Ty Raney + Friends
  • Saturday, September 7, 8-10pm (at Clerestory Fine Art)
    Silent Disco with Blissed Out Beats
  • Saturday, September 14, 8-10pm (at Clerestory Fine Art) Performance by local rapper Samad Savage
  • Saturday, September 21, 8-10pm (at Clerestory Fine Art) Performance by singer and musician Gabi the Artist

About the Artist

Armando “OUTthere” Diaz is a Montclair, NJ native who has worked in both personal and collaborative music production and technical media for over 20 years. His documentary photography focuses on the human experience in northern New Jersey. He regularly takes commissions for organizations interested in his candid, un-posed perspective, including three years documenting culture for the Montclair Center Business Improvement District. Diaz has been very involved in local schools and community, raising 5 children through the Montclair School System and actively volunteering for S.O.F.I.A., an organization which provides services for “at risk” women and children in situations of domestic abuse.

“Everybody’s Got A Little Light Under the Sun”
Exhibition Dates: August 15–September 27, 2019
Gallery: Clerestory Fine Art, 40 Church Street, Montclair, NJ 07042
Gallery Hours: Tuesday to Friday 10am–4:30pm; Saturday 12–5:00pm, and by appointment
Opening Reception: Thursday, August 15, 7–9pm
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