Dark Waters is an exhibition that refreshes the works of Turner and offers a new immersive experience that, although as beautiful as the artworks may be, into the past conflicts of the sea in addition to Britain's history of colonialism, slavery and even whaling.
The use of Fofana’s audio installations also helps to highlight the stories and experiences of POC when discussing the context of Turner’s works. I really think this is made clear through the way Tate highlighted that the same event in Turner’s ‘A Disaster At Sea’ also inspired the sound installations created by Fofana which can be heard all throughout the exhibition.
I believe that exhibitions like Dark Waters are extremely vital to places like Liverpool, which formerly played an important part in the transportation of goods and even enslaved people in the past, as it helps not only educate people about these events and topics but also helps provide a new perspective and a new voice, especially when considering the fact that Fofana, within his works, aims to transmute important literature written by black authors therefore providing a more inclusive account into the depiction of the events shown within these works and bringing light to figures not commonly referenced throughout history, like Du Bois.
I highly recommend Dark Waters to anyone who is interested in the history of Britain at sea or who is wanting a new experience when viewing art of the past.
- Hannah
I loved the music and ambience of the area and how it also related to Liverpool and the waterfronts.
- Georgia
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