Photographer, archivist and activist, Ajamu and artist/curator, Marlene Smith first met in the small hours of a Brixton morning in 1989. Over 6 months in 2017 they embarked on a series of informal “Pyjama Dialogues” at the start of each day. These catalytic conversations about the ways their life experiences, art-making and research interests relate, modulated approaches to their respective PhD research and laid the groundwork for new work.
During this “in conversation” event these longtime friends and recent collaborators will share some thoughts about the way their work is currently developing and the value of informality and respite.
Marlene Smith
Born and living in Birmingham, she has spent a significant portion of her career working in and leading various visual arts organisations. During the 80s she was a member of the Blk Art Group: Midlands based art students active in organising conferences as well as making and showing work. Her posts since then include Director of Black Art Gallery London 91-94 and Executive Director of The Public Gallery Ltd, West Midlands 2001-2009. She is a NESTA International Leadership Fellow and spent her placement year in China. In 2011 she co-founded the Blk Art Group Research Project with artists Keith Piper and Claudette Johnson. In 2013 she created The Room Next To Mine as a vehicle for her research & curatorial projects. These include study days, talks and presentations, exhibitions and displays often with an emphasis on diaspora, trans national and intergenerational conversations and collaborations. Her next project (for Modern Art Oxford) is a workshop for women which involves both talking and drawing.
Ajamu