Interference:s
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Part of the BLK Art Day
An illustrated public discussion of the BLK Art Group and their legacy. Convened by Ian Sergeant, Coventry Biennial’s Curatorial Resident.
Speakers include:
- Carolina Rito, Professor of Creative Practice Research, at the Research Centre for Arts, Memory and Communities (CAMC), at Coventry University
- Keith Piper, artist
- Marlene Smith, artist
- Craig Ashley, Associate Head of School – Enterprise & Innovation School of Art and Design, Coventry University
- Chenine Bhathena, Creative Director, Coventry UK City of Culture 2021
1pm – 2.30pm: Reflections on The Pan-Afrikan Connection
The Pan-Afrikan Connection is an illustrated public discussion, asking why the exhibition at The Herbert Art Gallery remains pertinent today as it did in 1983. The work produced spoke of a “Black aesthetic” as quoted by Claudette Johnson in her artist statement for the exhibition, “[The] work of the black artist involves the expression of her or his life experience”. The discussions will address the aesthetics of the art and the intersectional themes inherent in the art work produced, of race, gender, sexualities, identities, place and belonging. Themes that remain critical in 2021, and as such, creates space for wider discussion of the legacy and impact of the BLK Art Group on artists and art today.
2.45pm – 4pm: The BLK Art Group Public Art Commission
The theme of legacy is picked up in this discussion of public art. The BLK Art Group public art commission has been instigated by Birmingham 2022 Cultural Festival during the Commonwealth Games, Birmingham in 2022. The commission commemorates the 40th anniversary of First National Convention, convened by the BLK Group in 1982, as well as the wider impact the Group has had, artistically, academically and socio-politically. The discussion is also likely to touch on themes of “cancel culture” such as the toppling of the Colston statue in Bristol. Suggesting there is a need for a debate on who, how and what is memorialised. Within these tensions the conversation will address what might be produced by the commissioned artist(s), and what might be the public’s reaction?
Supported by Birmingham 2022.
You are viewing an archived event. This event has already taken place.