Jukebox Collective present their short film Of Us in first of its kind exhibition at the British Library.
British Library commission Jukebox Collective to create short film for the Beyond the Bassline exhibition. As the Welsh partner, Of Us, shares an untold Welsh perspective into the exploration of 500 years of Black music in Britain.
Beyond the Bassline (April 26 – August 26, 2024) marks a historic moment as the first major exhibition to document the rich musical journey of African and Caribbean people in Britain. Through a display of sound archives, artefacts, performances, and multimedia presentations, the exhibition explores the people, spaces and genres that have transformed the landscape of British music, delving into the impact of Black British musicians, creatives and entrepreneurs on popular music since the 16th-century.
Presented in the exhibitions “interruption” spaces is Of Us (2024), a Jukebox Collective production, commissioned by the British Library. Directed and choreographed by Liara Barussi and filmed in South Wales, the film pays homage to the heritage of one of the UK’s oldest Black communities, based in Tiger Bay in Cardiff. Through dance and movement, it reflects on themes of migration, identity and the enduring ancestral connection between body and memory.
“Of Us journeys into the whispers of our seas, intertwining stories of migration with the universal symbolism of water. Echoing concepts of the Black Aquatic and Tidalectics, the film juxtaposes the fluid and fixed.” Says Artistic Director of Jukebox Collective, Liara Barussi.
The short film will be showcased in the ocean space offering visitors an immersive visual and auditory experience. With a soundscape by South London-based curatorial platform Touching Bass and styling by Lauren Anne Groves with pieces from Black-owned brands including Ahluwalia and Jawara Alleyne. Featuring a cast of young Black Welsh talent from the organisation’s artist development programme.
“We’re honoured to represent Wales in this historic exhibition, the film pays tribute to the often overlooked and underrepresented Black communities of Wales. Highlighting their heritage and culture, as it intersects with the wider narrative of Black British music” – Liara Barussi.
Curated by Dr Aleema Gray in collaboration with Dr. Mykaell Riley, Beyond the Bassline promises to broaden audience’s understanding of Black British music and its position within British musical heritage.
