FWords: Creative Freedom- USA Tour

October 8, 2008 by Virtugirl Africa ·
Filed under: Art life, Books & literature, Notes from the Diaspora

‘FWords’ is a creative project to commemorate the Parliamentary Act of 1807 to abolish the British Slave Trade. Eight individuals were selected from some of Yorkshire’s most talented literary and visual artists, acclaimed through publication, performance, exhibitions and prizes, nationally, and in some cases, internationally.

They were asked to respond to this occasion by focusing on the theme of Freedom. In keeping with the theme, the writers and artists were given as much creative freedom as possible to express their response to the commemoration.

The name, FWords was chosen as it was felt that within the concept of Freedom, there were so many ways and ideas to explain it, that it was not one that could be easily contained. The notions behind the word are both specific and nebulous, simple, but also complex, and as one of the writers says, in this sense, it is like love…

Creative Freedom: The FWords anthology
1: An inspiring and varied collection of new writing
2: An introduction to six new and established Black British writers
3: An introduction to the work of two important Black British artists

Addressing a wide range of themes—from the oppression and restitution in 19th-century and contemporary South Africa to wry reflections on the thirst for freedom from a formerly imprisoned poet—this collection is an elegant exploration of the true meaning of liberation and the ironies of modern society.

“Who belongs and who does not belong to ‘England’s concrete jungle?’ The work of these writers demonstrates not only do they belong, they also feel a powerful freedom to rewrite the story in a manner which makes sense to them.”
Award winning writer Caryl Phillips

The book also includes photographic images of the work created by two visual artists in response to the work by the writers; Flags for Freedom – a series of batiks and Paths to Freedom – a series of paintings. A wide range of styles is evident amongst the writers – from Murray’s hard hitting social conscience yet catchy lyrics; Ibrahiim’s lyrical chants, Smith’s thought provoking imagery; Chan-Sam’s direct yet stylish prose and Seneviratne’s gentle nostalgic poetry, which evokes both sweet and sad memories.