The film-maker and installation artist on bridging the gap between art and cinema, and what he learned from the Baader-Meinhof gang
What first drew you to making art?
Punk. When I was about 15, I made friends with some hippies who lived close to the estate where I grew up. One of them turned out to be Astrid Proll (1), although I didn't know it at the time as she had a pseudonym. They taught me about art and photography. I discovered punk, situationism (2), and the connection between art and politics. I never looked back.
What was your big breakthrough?
Attending Central St Martin's, then a sort of Oxbridge of art schools. Also, being funded by Channel 4 to create the Sankofa Film and Video Collective (3), and making the film Looking for Langston (4).
Have you considered becoming a more mainstream film director?
I viewed myself as that when I made Young Soul Rebels...
What first drew you to making art?
Punk. When I was about 15, I made friends with some hippies who lived close to the estate where I grew up. One of them turned out to be Astrid Proll (1), although I didn't know it at the time as she had a pseudonym. They taught me about art and photography. I discovered punk, situationism (2), and the connection between art and politics. I never looked back.
What was your big breakthrough?
Attending Central St Martin's, then a sort of Oxbridge of art schools. Also, being funded by Channel 4 to create the Sankofa Film and Video Collective (3), and making the film Looking for Langston (4).
Have you considered becoming a more mainstream film director?
I viewed myself as that when I made Young Soul Rebels...
- 11/27/2013
- by Laura Barnett
- The Guardian - Film News
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