John Akomfrah : The Unintended Beauty of Disaster

13 Apr-5 Jun 2021

Overview

Featuring footage filmed over the past 6 months, this new body of work responds directly to the events of 2020, most notably the Black Lives Matter protests and demonstrations against imperialist monuments, presenting a rethinking of historical narratives. The exhibition will also include the UK premiere of the ground-breaking three-screen film, Four Nocturnes (2019), commissioned by the inaugural Ghana Pavilion at the 58th International Art Exhibition of la Biennale di Venezia. Akomfrah’s work is characterised by an ethical and emotional impetus to reflect on our collective consciousness – be it the existential threat of ecological disaster, exploring Black British identity and post-colonialism, or giving voice to minority communities. Akomfrah creates impressionist meditations through film and media; using montage techniques and bricolage, new footage is weaved together with archival material, newsreel and still photography. Overlaid with an immersive sound design, the artist often plays with imagery to construct conversations between the past and present, unapologetically bringing forth the multiplicity of these issues through non-linear narratives.