A conversation with Ayo Akingbade, an artist, writer and director based in London. She has directed 17 short films, which include documentary, fiction and those that blur the lines between the two. In this conversation, Ayo speaks to Alayo about their shared heritage and similar names, growing up in Hackney, her love of fashion & textiles  and her exhibition ‘Show me the world Mister’, which is currently touring the UK. It was first shown at the Chisenhale Gallery, London and has travelled onto Spike Island, Bristol and John Hansard Gallery, Southampton. It is currently showing at BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, Gateshead and will go on to the Whitworth, Manchester. A book of the same name was published by Book Works and Chisenhale Gallery to accompany this exhibition – it includes diary entries, interviews and behind-the-scenes photographs of the production of two of Ayo’s films ‘The Fist’ and‘Faluyi’. 

Influences mentioned by Ayo:

Artists/Filmmakers: Sade Adu, Meret Oppenheim, Anthea Hamilton, Chantal Akerman, Ed Ruscha, Agnes Varda, Ousmane Sembène, Eric Rohmer, Ellen Gallagher.

Films: ((French New Wave Cinema)), ‘Jules et Jim’ by François Truffaut, ‘Poor things’ by Yorgos Lanthimos, ‘La Chimera’ by Alice Rohrwacher, ‘All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt’ by Raven Jackson, ‘Living in Bondage’ by Chris Obi Rapu.

Keep up with us:

Ayo:  http://www.ayoakingbade.com/

Alayo: @ablackhistoryofart ; @alayoakinkugbe