As part of Black History Month celebrations, moving image artist Akinola Davies Jr has created a one-off installation which subverts assumptions about British history.
Akinola’s ‘Black to Life’ project, produced by Nuuksio Films, will be displayed in the windows at creative agency Wieden+Kennedy London, shining a spotlight on hidden historical figures and framing them as royalty and heroes of Britain.
‘The Black To Life series felt an important opportunity to centralise and humanise the lives of these nuanced individuals within history, because black British history is British history,’ said Akinola.
Akinola’s previous work has provoked political and social debate, highlighting the under-representation of black British history.
The creative’s work includes BBC documentary series Alt History, Black to Life, which inspired this installation, and a film documenting his Nigerian heritage for fashion brand Kenzo.
‘Growing up in the UK we rarely saw black people highlighted as iconic figures in British history,’ said Abdou Cisse and Akwasi Poku from W+K London Creatives.
‘Even though we’re seeing a surge of black representation in mainstream media, there’s still a huge job to tell historical stories which have long been sidelined. That’s why Akinola’s project struck such a chord with us as black Brits.
‘Each film compelled us to help give the project the space and platform it deserved and to provide the public with a window into black British history.
‘Being black creatives, we’ve found that there are often not many opportunities to collaborate with people of colour in the creative industries, so it is a privilege to work with Akinola to help showcase his work.’
Visitors can see the installation from 23-28 October at 16 Hanbury Street, London, E1 6QR.
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source https://metro.co.uk/2019/10/24/black-life-exhibition-highlights-black-figures-british-history-stunning-images-10975183/
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