Sat 20 Nov 2021
Herbert Art Gallery & Museum
Jordan Well, Coventry CV1 5QP
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Duration: 3 hours
Pay What You Wish
*You will be transferred to an external ticketing website.
Guideline Audience Age Range: 18+
Coventry Biennial 2021: Part of the BLK Art Group Day
An illustrated public discussion of the BLK Art Group and their legacy. Convened by Ian Sergeant, Coventry Biennial’s Curatorial Resident.
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?
Coventry Biennial is a festival of contemporary art taking place across Coventry & Warwickshire within and supported by UK City of Culture 2021. Expect new work by local and International artists, workshops, performances, talks, tours and much more.
For more information visit: www.coventrybiennial.com
Supported by Coventry City of Culture Trust, Arts Council England, Birmingham 2022.
