We were honoured to have Dr Vanley Burke join us for an online guest seminar during UCW Open WEEK - Thursday 18th June 2020
About Vanley
Vanley Burke is often described as the ‘Godfather of Black British Photography’, whereby his iconic images have captured the evolving cultural landscape, social change, and stimulated debate in the United Kingdom over the past four decades. He draws strength from remaining a humble man of the community, whose personable character allows him to capture the intimate and private nature of people’s everyday lives.
His body of work represents possibly the largest photographic record of the Caribbean Diaspora in Britain, and as an avid collector, Vanley continues to connect histories through his substantial archive housed at the Library of Birmingham. From local community organisations to the Victoria & Albert Museum and Whitechapel, Vanley has exhibited widely in the United Kingdom, and as far afield as New York, South Africa and China.
Vanley’s artistic enquiry is not simply limited to black and white documentary photography, as his eccentric rebellious nature lends itself to sculpture and painting, and crafting art that gives life a shape. His simple motivation has been the preservation of culture and history through creation, documentation, and discovery which often leaks into the private.
Watch the video of seminar below:
Links to some of works, artists and people discussed in talk
Vanley’s photography was used in John Akomfrah's seminal film - Handsworth Songs (John used Vanley's Bolex camera to make it).
Handsworth Songs - John Akomfrah - Watch Film - Arts Review Article - IMDB - BFI
Vanley Burke's best shot: African Liberation Day in Birmingham, 1977 (Read Guardian feature)
A section of the installation ‘5000 Miles and 70 Years’ by Vanley Burke, presented across the 1st floor window panes at Midlands Arts Centre. Photo: Carol Dixon.
Art imitates home life … photographer Vanley Burke in the Ikon Gallery, Birmingham. Photograph: David Sillitoe for the Guardian
Playing house: why Vanley Burke moved his entire flat into a gallery
The godfather of black British photography has upped sticks and recreated his flat, item by item, in a Birmingham art gallery. A dig through the mixtapes and tribal masks reveals a fascinating alternative history of black Britain
Vanley’s powerful installation work, 'Sugar Coated Tears' tackles West Midlands connection with slave trade.
Black Lives Matter
We recognise this talk is at a time when Black Lives Matter demonstrations have raised many important issues, we have added some links and resources relating to this here
UCW Open Week
Our upcoming Virtual Open Week offers you the chance to chat with our lecturers and students, watch live tours of our fantastic facilities, check out our students’ wonderful work and take part in tasters – all from the comfort of your own home!