Becoming Fowokan: Celebrating the Life and Work of Sculptor Fowokan George Kelly

Fowokan will be in conversation with Janet Browne, the V&A Academy’s Senior Producer for Audience Development. They will explore Fowokan’s interest in pre-colonial Africa and ancient Egypt as inspiration; the recurring theme of spiritual and mental conflict between Africa and Europe, followed by his creative input as a jeweller, essayist, poet, and musician.

Fowokan, a godfather within the sculpting world, has works in many notable private collections and has exhibited widely at public facing venues that include the Royal Academy, 198 Gallery, the Jamaican High Commission, the Studio Museum Harlem, the British Museum, and the Guildhall Art Gallery.

There will be a poetry performance by Courtney Conrad followed by a screening of vignettes from Nicolette Burford’s documentary on Fowokan. Fowokan’s biographer, Margaret Andrews, and author of the book Becoming Fowokan: The Life and Works of Fowokan George Kelly will share her experience of writing and self-publishing the book on this ‘extraordinary and universally respected artist of the African Diaspora.’ Copies of the book will be available for card payments only.

This event is in collaboration with the Jamaican High Commission (UK) and is one of many activities being held to celebrate Jamaica’s Diamond Jubilee, “Jamaica60” programme, to acknowledge the contributions Jamaicans have made in shaping the history and culture of Britain.

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