EP15: "The garment of the present is always stitched by cloths and threads from a variety of elsewheres" – Nkata with John Akomfrah

NKATA: Art and Processes

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In this thought-provoking episode, host Emeka Okereke sits down with the visionary Ghanaian-born British artist and filmmaker John Akomfrah. Akomfrah is renowned for his groundbreaking contributions to contemporary art and film, where his work poignantly explores themes of memory, post-colonialism, and the lived experiences of migrant diasporas across the globe.

The conversation delves into Akomfrah’s illustrious career, beginning with his pivotal role as a founding member of the Black Audio Film Collective in 1982. The collective’s debut film, Handsworth Songs (1986), marked a significant moment in British cinema. It examined the 1985 riots in Birmingham and London, showcasing Akomfrah’s distinctive style—a rich tapestry of archival footage, still images, and newsreels that challenge conventional storytelling methods and invite viewers to confront complex social issues.

Akomfrah’s work is not just a reflection of historical events but a deeply personal meditation on the intricacies of race, identity, and the persistent impact of colonial legacies. In this episode, he shares insights into how his films and installations serve as vehicles for re-inscribing identity, using art to navigate the often turbulent waters of racial narratives and their profound influence on societal relations and personal identity formation.

Listeners are invited to explore the philosophical underpinnings of Akomfrah’s oeuvre, as he discusses the continuous process of identity formation in dialogue with the ideas of intellectual giants like Stuart Hall and Frantz Fanon. The episode also touches on contemporary issues, such as the global resonance of the Black Lives Matter movement following the tragic killing of George Floyd and the societal upheavals caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Akomfrah articulates how these events underscore the ongoing “presencing” of diasporic identities and the existential realities of living with an awareness of potential violence.

Throughout the conversation, Akomfrah offers a rare glimpse into the creative process behind his works, emphasising the role of artistic passion, integrity, and sacrifice in the pursuit of meaningful art. His reflections provide invaluable guidance for artists today, encouraging them to engage deeply with the cultural and political dimensions of their practice.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the intersections of art, history, social commentary and the historical archive, as well as the power of film and visual art to provoke thought and inspire change. Tune in to experience a rich dialogue that intertwines personal narratives with historical and philosophical reflections, offering a deeper understanding of the cultural significance of art and its transformative potential in society.

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Hi, amazing listeners! Emeka Okereke here. I am the founder and host of this show. If you’ve enjoyed the stories, insights, and creativity we bring to this podcast series, I invite you to join my Patreon community at patreon.com/EmekaOkereke. 🎉

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1. EP15: "The garment of the present is always stitched by cloths and threads from a variety of elsewheres" – Nkata with John Akomfrah (00:00:00)

2. About John Akomfrah (00:00:14)

3. Early Days: Born in Accra, Raised in 60's England (00:03:34)

4. Finding one's place in moving parts and moving images (00:06:39)

5. Migrants, Moving bodies and the condition of the "enigmatic arrival" (00:09:10)

6. The promise of a place (00:12:20)

7. Writing oneself into the scene: The Black Audio Film Collective (00:15:58)

8. Asserting the autonomy of film in the shadow of the political. Beyond the confines of prescribed labelling (00:22:37)

9. On Stuart Hall (00:26:26)

10. The echoes of the collective as form and aesthetics in Akomfrah's films (00:31:04)

11. Reshaping mythology and shifting the lens of history (00:34:23)

12. The Paradox of the elsewhere (00:37:34)

13. My Mother said: "I need to go home" (00:39:13)

14. People of African origin and the promise of the Diaspora: Home never completely leaves you (00:39:52)

15. Five Murmurations: The Pandemic and George Floyd, a mirroring (00:43:51)

16. On Working with or "mining" the archive. (00:47:26)

17. The garment of the present is stitched together by threads from a variety of elsewheres (00:50:34)

18. The alchemy: keeping the process/outcome fresh, timely and relevant (00:53:26)