John Akomfrah's Auto Da Fé at Artes Mundi 7 explores Mediterranean migrations

John Akomfrah, a Ghanaian-born British filmmaker and founder of the Black Audio Film Collective, is among six shortlisted artists for Artes Mundi 7, exhibiting at National Museum Cardiff and Chapter, Cardiff. His two-screen installation, Auto Da Fé, examines recent Mediterranean migrations within a three-century historical context, addressing enforced displacement and precarious conditions. Akomfrah emphasizes art's role in fostering dialogue on contemporary traumas, aligning with the prize's focus on social reality and the human condition. The exhibition runs through 26 February, with the £40,000 winner announced on 26 January in Cardiff. Akomfrah notes connections with fellow artists like Neil Beloufa and Future Farmers, valuing the gathering of conscience-driven practices. If awarded, he plans to complete a trilogy project. ArtReview serves as media partner for the event.