Poor Image Projects

Akeelah Betram
Thursday 2 September - Thursday 12 September

Return: Phase 1

Return is an interactive installation emotively connecting audiences in different locations. Parallel portals will use audience gestures and audio-visual responses to create a sense of presence across continents.

Return will explore the idea of diaspora as physical, mental and social states of separation. The project will culminate in a range of portals connecting audiences on the African continent with audiences of African descent globally.

In this exhibition Akeelah shares Phase 1 of her research and development of Return; including an initial prototype, concept development and material experiments.

Poor Image Projects (PIP) is a nomadic event series showcasing audiovisual and moving image art. Each instalment of PIP presents a different artistic perspective on the forms and functions of audio-visual media. Technical, tactile, high-definition, analogue, computer generated, sensual, ubiquitous and poor— PIP aims to acknowledge the multiplicity of AV expression and how this materialises in both artistic and everyday contexts.

The format of PIP events is fluid, shifting between screenings, flash-exhibitions, performances and artist talks. In response to the temporary nature of inner-city space and the inherent mobility of AV media, PIP is nomadic, unfolding in various locations across Leeds and beyond.

Poor Image Projects is led by artists Bethan Hughes and Anya Stewart-Maggs; it is kindly supported by Lumen and has received support from Leeds for Life Foundation and Leeds Inspired. PIP is taking part in the Arts Council England funded Index Festival in 2019. Additional thanks go to graphic designer Jamie Hudson and photographer Jules Lister.