Isaac Julien in Tate Britain
Sir Isaac Julien, artist and filmmaker known for his expressive films and video installations, is currently holding his first solo exhibition in the UK titled “What Freedom Is To Me” at Tate Britain.
The exhibit showcases the breadth and depth of Julien’s innovative work in film and installation, spanning from the early 1980s to the present day. This ambitious exhibition highlights Julien’s critical thinking and his ability to transcend the boundaries between different art forms, drawing inspiration from film, dance, photography, music, theatre, painting, and sculpture. Through his exploration of themes such as desire, history, and culture, Julien’s works examine the movement of people across diverse continents, times, and spaces.
The exhibition features an array of Julien’s works, ranging from his early films to expansive, multiscreen installations. It represents a unique opportunity to experience the 40-year evolution of Isaac Julien’s artistry in the UK. Read more about the exhibition via the link below.
Practical Information
What Freedom Is To Me
April 26-August 20
Tate Britain
ABOUT Isaac Julien
Isaac Julien KBE RA (GB, 1960), a London-born filmmaker and installation artist, is celebrated for his groundbreaking approach to art, seamlessly merging film, dance, photography, music, theater, painting, and sculpture to craft compelling visual narratives through multi-screen film installations. Notably, his 1989 documentary-drama “Looking for Langston” and the Cannes Film Festival Semaine de la Critique prize-winning debut feature, “Young Soul Rebels” (1991), garnered critical acclaim on a global scale.
Julien’s international acclaim extends to prestigious solo exhibitions at prominent venues, including the Barnes Foundation, Smith College Museum of Art, and Bechtler Museum of Modern Art. His works have graced the walls of renowned institutions such as the Museum of Modern Art and the Art Institute of Chicago.
In addition to his artistic pursuits, Julien has made significant contributions to academia, holding key positions at institutions like the University of Arts London and Staatliche Hoscschule fur Gestaltung, Karlsruhe. His educational efforts were further recognized when he was awarded the James Robert Brudner ’83 Memorial Prize and delivered lectures at Yale University in 2016.
Isaac Julien’s dedication to the arts has earned him distinguished accolades, including The Royal Academy of Arts Charles Wollaston Award in 2017 and a knighthood as part of Queen Elizabeth II’s Honours List in 2022. Furthermore, he was honored with the esteemed Kaiserring Goslar Award in 2022.
In April 2023, Tate Britain hosted a comprehensive survey show, presenting Isaac Julien’s illustrious career. This exhibition featured works spanning four decades, encompassing early films and expansive multi-screen installations that delve into the themes of global movement and history. It marked the first-ever presentation of Isaac Julien’s extensive body of work in the United Kingdom.
