My Grandparents' wedding in Bow,London 1960s

'Lonely Londoners' by Sam Selvon

Selvon, S. (1956). The Lonely Londoners. 1st ed. London: Longman (UK.

My Grandparents in their living room

'London Is The Place For Me' by Lord Kitchner (1948)

'London Is The Place For Me' by Lord Kitchner (1948)

London is the place for me
London this lovely city
You can go to France or America,
India, Asia or Australia
But you must come back to London city
Well believe me I am speaking broadmindedly
I am glad to know my Mother Country
I have been travelling to countries years ago
But this is the place I wanted to know
London that is the place for me
To live in London you are really comfortable
Because the English people are very much sociable
They take you here and they take you there
And they make you feel like a millionaire
London that's the place for me
At night when you have nothing to do
You can take a walk down Shaftesbury Avenue
There you will laugh and talk and enjoy the breeze
And admire the beautiful scenery
Of London that's the place for me
Yes, I cannot complain of the time I have spent
I mean my life in London is really magnificent
I have every comfort and every sport
And my residence is Hampton Court
So London, that's the place for me

Text

'Exploring the magical world of Jamaican AfroFuturism' by Richard M. Wright

Article from Island Orgins mag

'Exploring the magical world of Jamaican AfroFuturism' by Richard M. Wright

https://www.islandoriginsmag.com/exploring-the-magical-world-of-jamaican-afrofuturism/

Island Origins | The Caribbean American Lifestyle Magazine. (n.d.). Exploring The Magical World of Jamaican Afrofuturism. [online] Available at: https://www.islandoriginsmag.com/exploring-the-magical-world-of-jamaican-afrofuturism/ [Accessed 15 Feb. 2020].

Grace Jones by Bruce Baker

Excerpt from Grace Jones' book: 'I'll Never Write My Memoirs'

“There was also a robotic quality to my performance, a mix of the human, the android, and the humanoid… I am not decoration; I am pure signal. I transmit.” Jones, G. (2015). I'll never write my memoirs. New York: Gallery Books.

 

Deluxe 2004-5 (detail,wiglette) by Ellen Gallagher

Historical research:

Cultural Context:

Sun Ra music had a philosophy about space being an ideal place as a form of escapism, I think it is very interesting to use space as an outlet. Afro-Futurism was developed on this idea and Sun Ra  felt that space would be good for Black Americans and he spoke about this in 'Space is the Place'.

I think I want to play  with the idea of escapism and surrealism morello really portray this otherness and Futurism.

By Richard Braine

Festac ’77 festival

Majority of the Afro-Futurists are coming out of Africa and these creatives are bringing the genre to fore front. I can celebrate African heritage through Afro-Futurism as a lot of Caribbean traditions are deep rooted in Africa. 

By Brais G. Rouco via Getty Images

Carnival is major celebration in the Caribbean so I think it would be  nice to look at how I can weave this into my work.

Political Context:

Ennoch Powell was a very influential around this time. Powell had a speech named 'Rivers of Blood' which was designed to infuriate English people  and to question their patriotism if they supported Immigrants. 

Many people were not happy with the influx of immigrants so I would like to explore the idea of not feeling wanted somewhere as well as the general I migrant experience whether that it is positive our negative.

Moon Landing Apollo 11 1969

London visits:

Image

It was amazing to see these spacesuits in real life as they show how innovative humans can be and all of the technological advances we have made. It showed the achievements that man-kind have made. I like how 'Moving To Mars' uses forward thinking and imagination.

This Planet is Doomed: The Science Fiction Poetry by Sun Ra

The Earth Expedition Of Sun Ra, Jazz Visionary And Afrofuturist Pioneer by Greg Cook

'Untitled 6' by Tahir Carl Karmali

Refugee astronaut by Yinka Shonibare (2015)

'Boda Boda Madness' by Jan Hoek and Bobbin Case

Plaire Pimchanok Chaiphet

Plaire Pimchanok Chaiphet

Plaire Pimchanok Chaiphet

I loved the use of parts of electrical appliances this inspires me to do embroidery or bead work. I like the colour scheme and the hints of metallic colours. The colours remind me of oil slick or oil spill rainbow colours which I really like.

Going to Britain?, BBC Caribbean Service

Going to Britain?, BBC Caribbean Service

https://www.bl.uk/collection-items/bbc-pamphlet-going-to-britain#

The British Library. n.d. BBC Pamphlet, Going To Britain?. [online] Available at: <https://www.bl.uk/collection-items/bbc-pamphlet-going-to-britain#> [Accessed 26 March 2020].

The Inspirations Behind The Fashions of The Black Panther Heroines

https://sabrinatheresa.com/the-inspirations-behind-the-fashions-of-the-black-panther-heroines/

Sabrina Theresa. n.d. The Inspirations Behind The Fashions Of The Black Panther Heroines - Sabrina Theresa. [online] Available at: <https://sabrinatheresa.com/the-inspirations-behind-the-fashions-of-the-black-panther-heroines/> [Accessed 31 March 2020].

'More Than Black Science Fiction' By Nadine Berghausen

'The Windrush generation: 70 years of Caribbean fashion' by Niellah Arboine

https://gal-dem.com/the-windrush-generation-70-years-of-caribbean-fashion/

Arboine, N., 2018. The Windrush Generation: 70 Years Of Caribbean Fashion | Gal-Dem. [online] gal-dem. Available at: <https://gal-dem.com/the-windrush-generation-70-years-of-caribbean-fashion/> [Accessed 5 April 2020].

Doomsday Clock

https://thebulletin.org/doomsday-clock/current-time/

This Clock is a countdown to potential global catastrophe.

Untitled by Kenlock Neil 1974

'Small Island' by Andrea Levy (2004)

Levy, A. (2004). Small island. London: Headline Publishing Group.

'Six Shirt Stories and Essay' by Andrea Levy (2015)

Levy, A. (2015). Six stories and an essay. London: Tinder Press.

Jim Grover

http://www.jimgroverphotography.com/healthcare-mission-to-romanian-mountain-villagers-1

Jim Grover Photography. (n.d.). Windrush: Portrait of a Generation — Jim Grover Photography. [online] Available at: http://www.jimgroverphotography.com/healthcare-mission-to-romanian-mountain-villagers-1 [Accessed 16 Feb. 2020].

Bird in Hand by Ellen Gallagher (2006)

Text

Pathway context:

Black Panther Costume Design by Ruth E. Carter

The film 'Black Panther' (2018) was turning point for Afro-Futurism as it showcased it to the mainstream world and Afro-Futurism has been underground for decades and considered a sub-genre.  I like how traditional African designs have been used to create these futuristic warrior-like garments. I like how these pieces show their African identity and narrative . I want to mu final outcome to portray my narrative and to have aspects of my culture/s.

Halo headpiece/Hair braids by Shani Crowe

Dress and earrings by Erickson Beamon x Swarovski

I like that Solange looks otherworldly and that she does not have to look like a stereotypical depiction of an alien or an astronaut to play with Afro-futurism with her outfits. 

Emo de Medeiros

I like the juxtaposition of these natural looking shells and then this futuristic shaped helmets.

There is a nice duality in this piece.

 

Art and Design Context:

By Atelier Masomi

I like how these shelters mimic the natural environment, they are bright and colourful which I think captures Africa well.

By Diébédo Francis Kéré

I like that the shape of this building still seems organic and does not stand out in a negative way. I think it suits the natural environment well- I think that I s a trait of Afro-Futurism there is a motif of artists and designers working in this genre using nature as inspiration but also using technology and creating these futuristic pieces. 

'The Arrival' by Shaun Tan

'Benin' by Emo de Medeiros

Afrofuturism-Refinery29

https://www.refinery29.com/en-gb/afrofuturism-fashion

Wang, C. (2019). For Black Women, Afrofuturist Fashion Is More Than A Costume. [online] Refinery29.com. Available at: https://www.refinery29.com/en-gb/afrofuturism-fashion [Accessed 21 Feb. 2020].

End User Context:

The story of the first ever space wedding, when a woman on Earth married a cardboard cutout of her astronaut boyfriend while he watched on from the International Space Station

https://www.businessinsider.com/first-space-wedding-bride-earth-wed-husband-the-iss-2019-8?r=US&IR=T

Baker, S., 2019. The Story Of The First Ever Space Wedding, When A Woman On Earth Married A Cardboard Cutout Of Her Astronaut Boyfriend While He Watched On From The International Space Station. [online] Business Insider. Available at: <https://www.businessinsider.com/first-space-wedding-bride-earth-wed-husband-the-iss-2019-8?r=US&IR=T> [Accessed 5 April 2020].

  • Emigrants
  • Immigrants
  • Displaced People
  • Nomads
  • People who are travelling in general

AfroPunk: The new counter culture by CNN

AFRONAUTS

 Short film by Nuotama Bodomo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lb3pu5jXWHU

I like this imagined flag ,The smiley face shows the hope and positivity they have for Space.

It shows that this trip would be a great opportunity in the sam way Lord Kitchener speaks of London in his song 'London Is The Place For Me' (1948). 

I think I will research more flags and imagined languages,cultures and races  in futuristic  films.

The Time When Zambia Tried To Go To Mars by SideNote

Zambia’s Forgotten Space Program and the Backyard Space Race

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3tJ5Nfxn9I

YouTube Channel: Not Exactly Normal

Arthur George "Art" Smith

I like these spiral shapes

 

Text

System K by Renaud Barret

I like the use of negative space it reminds me of galaxies, black holes and vortexes.

This inspires me to look at cut outs or negative space in my  designs and pattern cutting as I like the effect.

https://www.gold.ac.uk/news/black-history-month-at-lewisham-shopping/

Cox, S., n.d. Pop-Up 1970S Caribbean Front Room And Battle Of Lewisham Exhibition Installed In Shopping Centre. [online] Goldsmiths, University of London. Available at: <https://www.gold.ac.uk/news/black-history-month-at-lewisham-shopping/> [Accessed 26 March 2020].

Huck Magazine: 'What's Next For The Afrofuturism Movement'

Lady of the lamp: Mary Katrantzou's bright idea by Lena Corner

https://www.standard.co.uk/fashion/lady-of-the-lamp-mary-katrantzous-bright-idea-6568712.html

Evening Standard. 2011. Lady Of The Lamp: Mary Katrantzou's Bright Idea. [online] Available at: <https://www.standard.co.uk/fashion/lady-of-the-lamp-mary-katrantzous-bright-idea-6568712.html> [Accessed 31 March 2020].

'Stacked Straws Bales Form Walls For Conceptual School In Malawi By Nudes' by Alyn Griffiths |

https://www.dezeen.com/2019/05/07/straw-malawi-school-nudes-architecture/?li_source=LI&li_medium=bottom_block_1

Griffiths, A., n.d. Stacked Straw Bales Form Walls For Conceptual School In Malawi By Nudes. [online] Dezeen. Available at: <https://www.dezeen.com/2019/05/07/straw-malawi-school-nudes-architecture/?li_source=LI&li_medium=bottom_block_1> [Accessed 31 March 2020].

Erykah Badu's 'Didn't Cha You Know'

Image

'From Humble Beginnings in Trinidad and Tobago To One of the Best Tailors in the World' by Moses Jameson

 

Article: https://mycaribbeanscoop.com/trinidad-and-tobago/from-humble-beginnings-in-trinidad-and-tobago-to-one-of-the-best-tailors-in-the-world

Jameson, M. (2017). From Humble Beginnings in Trinidad and Tobago To One of the Best Tailors in the World-. [online] MyCaribbeanScoop.com. Available at: https://mycaribbeanscoop.com/trinidad-and-tobago/from-humble-beginnings-in-trinidad-and-tobago-to-one-of-the-best-tailors-in-the-world [Accessed 15 Feb. 2020].

 Personal Context:

Grandad's misc Scrapbook

These images are in no longer in any order.  My Grandad kept these photographs in this scrapbook/album because they were unusual sizes or he did not feel they fitted in with his other albums that were chronological. I like that these are random as it gives a stronger sense of time and growth of my family living in Britain. There is a vibrancy that I want to capture in my project.

'Pinky' by Jennie Baptiste

'Trishar' by Jennie Baptiste

'Ragga Crouching' by Jennie Baptiste

Jennie Baptiste - Photographer

http://www.jenniebaptistephotography.com/my-photos

Jenniebaptistephotography.com. (n.d.). Jennie Baptiste - Official Photography Website.. [online] Available at: http://www.jenniebaptistephotography.com/my-photos [Accessed 16 Feb. 2020].

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_kTIBHhLJTI

The Black British experience is personal to me as I am a third generation immigrant to the UK.  My mother's side is from Saint Lucia and My Father's side is Guyanese. I want to be reflective with my work so I am looking at my identity and how they all play role in making me who I am.

Dezeen

https://www.dezeen.com/2018/09/28/mac-collins-models-afrofuturist-chair-african-carribean-heritage-furniture/

Yalcinkaya, G. (2020). Mac Collins models afrofuturist chair on his Carribean heritage. [online] Dezeen. Available at: https://www.dezeen.com/2018/09/28/mac-collins-models-afrofuturist-chair-african-carribean-heritage-furniture/ [Accessed 15 Feb. 2020].

Materials and Methods:

Lucy Hardcastle

Fredrik Tjærandsen

The use of these balloons/inflatables is genius as it is very innovative and creative. Balloons are not usually used in this way so I think it is great how they have been used to create a garments- They have become almost performance piece .

Afrofuturism By Ytasha Womack

The Irishman Costume Designer Sandy Powell on Her Career in Drama by Lynn Hirschberg

Sandy Powell's Costumes for 'How To Talk To Girls At Parties' (2017)

Powells' Costume, Photographed by Tim Walker

'Alijana Moons' (2015) by Alexis Peskine

Nataal Article: 'Get Up,Stand Up' by Helen Jennings

'Going Home' by Benji Reid (2019)

'Holding onto Daddy' by Benji Reid (2016)

'Time Thief' by Zak Ové (2010)

'Nubian Return" by Zak Ové (2011)

'Umbilical Progenitor' by Zak Ove (2018)

'The Upsetters' (King and Queen) by Zak Ové (2013)

Articles / facts / reports:

Hero King by Donté K Hayes

'Warrior King' by Donté K Hayes

'Original King' by Donté K Hayes

'Wise King' by Donté K Hayes

'The West Indian Front Room: Reflections on a Diasporic Phenomenon' by Michael McMillan

This was very insightful about the Home and how people decorated it commemorate the home that they have left and celebrate the new Home(UK). I like how diaspora have influenced and inspired the home. I feel that I strayed away from home decor in my researching it it was of the main aspects of brief and my desired aesthetic.  

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-43794366

BBC News. n.d. 'I'm An Englishman': Windrush Stories. [online] Available at: <https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-43794366> [Accessed 26 March 2020].

Seamstress, nurse, caterer: Celebrating the Windrush women

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-44196127

BBC News. 2018. Seamstress, Nurse, Caterer: Celebrating The Windrush Women. [online] Available at: <https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-44196127> [Accessed 26 March 2020].

'Sorry To Bother You' Costume Designer Breaks Down The Afro-Futurist Looks From The Movie By Robyn Mowatt

https://hypebae.com/2018/7/deirdra-govan-sorry-to-bother-you-costume-designer-interview

Mowatt, R., 2018. 'Sorry To Bother You' Costume Designer Breaks Down The Afro-Futurist Looks From The Movie. [online] HYPEBAE. Available at: <https://hypebae.com/2018/7/deirdra-govan-sorry-to-bother-you-costume-designer-interview> [Accessed 31 March 2020].