Akeelah Bertram: Return

What would a world without borders look like? What does it mean for us to be together beyond our historical ties? How can we stand in place of what is lost?

Return invites us to explore these questions with our own bodies and investigates how we can enable meaningful connection across the globe. The piece uses creative technology to question identity narratives and explore the physical and social states of separation inherent in our world by reflecting on the lived experiences of the African diaspora. This ambitious project will culminate in interactive installations connecting across continents in 2021.

For Yorkshire Sculpture International, Bertram shares current work in progress and invites viewers to feed into its development. In the Bothy Gallery at YSP, she has created a compelling, immersive environment featuring light and vibrations in the floor that can be felt as you move through the space. She will also show wall-based light sculptures and present information about the wider Return project.

Return is produced by York Mediale. Supported by Arts Council England, The British Council, Invisible Flock, University of Leeds and East Street Arts.

Akeelah Bertram (b.1990 London) is a cross-disciplinary artist who lives and works in Leeds. She has exhibited nationally and internationally since studying at the University of Leeds, Hochschule für Bildende Künste, (Dresden) and the Royal College of Art (London).

Bertram is interested in collective narratives, challenging perspectives and innovating modes of communication. She produces work across new media art, interaction design, sculpture and performance exploring heritage and identity through creative technology, and is currently the Gatenby Fellow in Contemporary Art, University of Leeds.