Visions of the Deep Past
David Blandy, Harlesden Library
Commissioned for Brent 2020: London Borough of Culture
Artist David Blandy has worked with young people from Capital City Academy and Roundwood Youth Centre to reimagine Harlesden 8000 years from now.
This future is set in the high fantasy world of The World After, a role-play game setting that Blandy has been building for the past two years. It imagines a lush environment, a place where humans have left the surface for millennia, and a new world has evolved, erasing much of humanity’s legacy.
Through discussion, writing and drawing this possible society and its history has been created with young people and translated into visuals by illustrator Wumi Olaosebikan alongside designs by the group participants. Large-scale images of this post-human world, presented in bold vinyl will fill Harlesden Library, along with a timeline flowing throughout the building telling a future history of Brent.
The World After is conceived by Blandy as a Tabletop Roleplaying Game (TTRPG) formed through collaborative sessions. The work is influenced by the worlds depicted by fantasy fiction author Ursula Le Guin, in series’ such as Earthsea and the Left Hand of Darkness.
The World After, 2019 was originally commissioned by New Geographies & Focal Point Gallery, Southend-on-Sea.
Brent is The Mayor’s London Borough of Culture for 2020. Our programme will explore the stories, art and emotions that hold life in Brent together, uncovering and celebrating its untold tales and unheard voices.
Art Newspaper Preview: Louisa Buck
Art Review: Interview with David Blandy