Larry Achiampong and David Blandy, Finding Fanon

Join us for our latest exhibition at the Art Exchange by artists Larry Achiampong and David Blandy

Alongside ‘A Lament for Power’, we showcase Larry Achiampong and David Blandy’s seminal trilogy, ‘Finding Fanon’, as they examine the politics of race, racism and the post colonial – utilising the gaming world to do so.

Inspired by the lost plays of Frantz Fanon (1925-1961), a politically radical writer whose work investigates the mental distress of colonialism and the consequences of decolonisation, ‘Finding Fanon’ explores the relevance of his writing in an age of technology, popular culture and globalisation.

By hacking into Grand Theft Auto 5, they discover an expansive and seemingly free world to work within, yet it is underpinned by hidden systems of control – making it the perfect context to discuss Fanon’s writing by offering a pertinent metaphor for the structures that govern our everyday experiences in real life.

Larry Achiampong and David Blandy’s work has been shown both within the UK and abroad including Tate Modern, London; The Baltic, Gateshead; Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Wakefield; Fact, Liverpool; BFI London Film Festival, London; Transmediale Festival, Berlin, Germany & Fort Worth Contemporary Arts, Texas, USA.

Finding Fanon was shortlisted for the Film London Jarman award 2018.

Larry Achiampong is represented by Copperfield Gallery, London and David Blandy is represented by Seventeen Gallery, London.

Art Exchange Reduced Opening Hours

Please note that due to Covid restrictions, the gallery will be open to students and staff every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday between 12 noon and 5pm.

Members of the public can arrange a viewing on a Saturday by appointment, please email gallery@essex.ac.uk to book your visit.

This exhibition will also be available on-line on the Art Exchange webpages.

This exhibition has been made possible through the support of the Arts Council England.