'Finding Fanon Part One', 2015
Larry Achiampong & David Blandy
'Finding Fanon' is the first part in a series of works by artists Larry Achiampong and David Blandy; inspired by the lost plays of Frantz Fanon, (1925-1961) a politically radical humanist whose practice dealt with the psychopathology of colonisation and the social and cultural consequences of decolonisation.
In the film, the two artists negotiate Fanon’s ideas, examining the politics of race, racism and the post-colonial, and how these societal issues affect their relationship.
Their conflict is played out through a script that melds found texts and personal testimony, transposing their drama to a junkyard houseboat at an unspecified time in the future. Navigating the past, present and future, Achiampong and Blandy question the promise of globalisation, recognising its impact on their own heritage.
Finding Fanon was first screened at the BFI London Film Festival.
Supported by Arts Council England. With thanks to Hamish Mckenzie.
Short interview & highlights in French on 'Culture Box', 'Finding Fanon Part One' was shown as part of "The Vanishing Point of History: L’Été photographique de Lectoure", Centre d'art et photographie de Lectoure, France. Curated by Catsou Roberts
The research work and images were collected into an exhibition 'Media Minerals' at Dolph Projects, London, May 2015
Limited Edition Vinyl
Hyperallergic review
Finding Fanon Film Menu
Image 1 & 2: Installation view of Finding Fanon Trilogy at Coppefield , London, 2019
Image 3 & 4: Installation view of Finding Fanon Trilogy, Kettle’s Yard, Cambridge, 2021
Image 5-7: Installation view of Finding Fanon Trilogy, Fort Worth Gallery, Texas, USA, 2017