ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

David Blandy's Post-Human Future Vision for Brent Biennial at Harlesden Library

exhibition · 2026-04-20

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

Sources