Diane Delbeke's remarkable career in the 1970s was marked by her tireless efforts to promote not only her own artistic endeavors, but also those of her fellow local artists. She organized numerous groundbreaking exhibitions, showcasing the innovative works of cutting-edge artists in the community. Her impressive feat was convincing the curatorial staff of the esteemed Detroit Institute of Arts to exhibit these new and groundbreaking works, which led to the notable exhibition "New Video and Performance Art in Detroit." This pivotal event significantly shifted the community's perception of contemporary art, and it remains a turning point in its history.
In tandem with her husband, Randy Delbeke, Diane co-founded the influential magazine "Detroit Artists Monthly," which played a vital role in providing exposure to local artists while also featuring the perspectives of prominent New York artists and art critics through her candid and provocative interviews.
As the late 1970s unfolded, rock and roll became a primary medium for Diane's creative expression. She formed the band "The Dangerous Diane Band" and used the club venue to deliver biting satirical lyrics that critiqued political, social, and gender issues prevalent in affluent late 20th-century America.
In the early 1980s, Diane relocated to New York City, where she continues to be an integral part of the city's vibrant art scene. Her creative pursuits include writing, publishing, and performing, and she has been actively exploring new means of projecting her vision. For the past couple of years, she has been honing her skills in acting and performing in "legitimate theater" productions. Her recent performance, "The Drunk Monologues," premiered at The St. Marks Theater and combines elements of traditional theater, artist's performance, and rock and roll to create an edgy, semi-autobiographical narrative.
Diane's collaboration with Jay Yager began in 1984, at the suggestion of friend Tom Adair, resulting in the production of their first videotape, "No Pain No Gain." This project earned first prize in a statewide exhibition just four days after its completion. Her recent performance in the award-winning Indie Feature "Red Cockroaches" (2004) further solidified her status as a talented and innovative artist.
