'The White & Black Minstrel Show', 2007
'The White and Black Minstrel Show', 2007
DVD, 7 mins and Installation
Made on a residency at Iaspis, Stockholm, Sweden in 2006
Blandy mimes to the underground soul classic "Is it because I'm Black" by Syl Johnson (1968), dressed as an inverted Black and White Minstrel. From a a psychoanalytical stance, he investigates his identity by performing from the standpoint of the coloniser yet simultaneously empathising entirely with the person who sees him as the enemy as he mimes to the words "hold me back...putting your foot on me".
Camerawork by Claire Barrett.
Song used with permission from Syl Johnson.
The film was originally made for part of an installation at Blandy's first London solo exhibition at Cell Project Space, as part of the: 'Jerwood Artists Platform' in 2007.
'Because the Night',
Artangel performance event
Behind the scenes stills at 'Because the Night', a special night of performances, screenings and talks dedicated to darkness, Friday 24 November 2006
Bethnal Green Town Hall
Stills: Claire Barrett, 2006