David Blandy's Post-Human Future Vision for Brent Biennial at Harlesden Library
David Blandy showcases 'World After: Visions of the Deep Past' at Harlesden Library as part of the Brent Biennial, imagining Harlesden 8,000 years into a future devoid of humans. This initiative, which took two years to develop, involved collaboration with youth from Roundwood Youth Centre and Capital City Academy. The project introduces four post-human species: the avian Avari, the amphibian Torads, the industrial matriarchal Clawsa, and the technological Underealms. Visitors can see colored vinyl vines, dioramas, and character standees in the library. A 3D animated introduction is displayed on council screens, accompanied by a timeline highlighting Harlesden's past 1,000 years and the next 8,000. A 36-page Riso-printed publication complements the exhibition, which examines identity through popular culture while addressing gender, race, and environmental themes.
Key facts
- David Blandy created 'World After: Visions of the Deep Past' for the Brent Biennial
- The project imagines Harlesden 8,000 years in the future after sea-level rise
- Collaboration involved young people from Roundwood Youth Centre and Capital City Academy
- Four post-human societies were created: Avari, Torads, Clawsa, and Underealms
- Installation at Harlesden Library includes vinyl vines, dioramas, standees, and 3D animation
- A 36-page Riso-printed publication supplements the original hardback rulebook
- The work expands Blandy's earlier project 'The World After' at Focal Point Gallery
- Blandy grew up in Brent and returned to tabletop role-playing five years ago
Entities
Artists
- David Blandy
- Wumi Olaosebikan
- Ursula Le Guin
- Octavia Butler
- Philip K. Dick
Institutions
- Brent Biennial
- Harlesden Library
- Roundwood Youth Centre
- Capital City Academy
- Focal Point Gallery
- ArtReview
- CEX
Locations
- Harlesden
- London
- United Kingdom
- Kensal Green
- Roundwood Park
- Rathbone Place
- Oxford Street