John Akomfrah is a hugely respected artist and filmmaker based in London. His works are investigations into memory, post-colonialism, temporality and aesthetics and often explore the experiences of migrant diasporas globally. Akomfrah was a founding member of the influential Black Audio Film Collective, which started in London in 1982 and has since has been investigating black British identity.
In his contribution to Bildmuseet’s anniversary forum, John Akomfrah answers the posed question ‘What Do We Need Art For?’ in a conversation with director Katarina Pierre.
John Akomfrah has had numerous solo exhibitions around the world, including at Bildmuseet in Sweden. Bildmuseet co-commissioned the two epic film installations Vertigo Sea (2017) which premiered at the Venice Biennale, and Purple (2018). Akomfrah’s work has also been featured in many international film festivals, including the Sundance Film Festival and Toronto International Film Festival. He was awarded the British Artes Mundi Prize in 2017.
Welcome by the director of Bildmuseet and host of the anniversary forum What Do We Need Art For?.
Artist Katarina Pirak Sikku gives a personal account of art’s significance for herself and people around her.
Professor Gavin Butt considers the history of "art-pop" music and the world-making capacities of art today.
Dramatist and writer Stina Oscarson talks about the importance of art in reminding us that we are human.
Artist and filmmaker John Akomfrah answers the posed question in conversation with director Katarina Pierre.
South African photographer Cedric Nunn talks about the context in which he is a politically active artist.
Curator Maria Lind on contemporary art as a form of understanding and tool for relating to existence.
Musicians Sofia Jannok and Dennis Lyxzén on what art and culture have meant in their lives.
Curator Tone Olaf Nielsen discusses artistic and curatorial responses to the refugee crisis.
Artist Jumana Emil Abboud performs a reading about walking in the Palestinian landscape.
Artist Mats Caldeborg reflects on the significance of art and the human ability for abstract thinking.
Artist Grada Kilomba gives her answer to the question posed in a conversation with director Katarina Pierre.
Curator and director Antonia Alampi addresses the multifaceted roles that art and cultural practices play.
As his contribution to the online forum, Naeem Mohaimen shows us the new film work Against Regret (23 min).
