First US retrospective of artist and filmmaker Sir Isaac Julien premieres at the de …
Road to Mazatlán, on view in the exhibition, Julien delves into the complexities of masculinity and the cowboy myth in the American West. Lessons of the Hour focuses on the life of Frederick Douglass, a prominent abolitionist and leader in the fight against slavery, while True North sheds light on the remarkable journey of Matthew Henson, a Black explorer who was among the first to reach the North Pole.
The exhibition, titled I Dream a World, showcases ten of Julien’s multi-channel video installations, each thoughtfully exploring various aspects of history, identity, and resistance. Julien shared that his goal is to create a visual language that not only reacts but also generates its own poetics, nurturing resistance and promoting diverse narratives. His work challenges traditional viewpoints and invites viewers to reconsider historical events and figures through a contemporary lens.
As a professor at the University of California, Santa Cruz, Julien has a strong connection to the Bay Area, making the de Young Museum an ideal venue for his first U.S. retrospective. He splits his time between California and London, where he was born, and has received acclaim for his work in promoting diversity and inclusion in the arts. His unique approach to storytelling and his ability to blend historical fact with speculative fiction set his work apart, offering viewers a compelling and immersive experience.
Visitors to the exhibition have the opportunity to explore six screening rooms at the de Young, each showcasing different aspects of Julien’s extensive body of work. The galleries have been transformed to accommodate the film installations, providing an immersive and engaging environment for viewers to navigate the narratives presented. Helpful signage guides visitors through the exhibition, allowing them to plan their viewing experience and gain a deeper understanding of each installation.
The retrospective has been years in the making, with the de Young Museum laying the groundwork for the exhibition over six years. When Thomas Campbell became the director of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, one of his early discussions with chief curator Claudia Schmuckli centered around showcasing Julien’s work. Campbell was immediately drawn to Julien’s artistry, particularly after experiencing his acclaimed piece Ten Thousand Waves in 2010. This installation, which addresses the tragic drowning of Chinese migrants in 2004, combines thermal video footage and audio recordings to create a powerful and haunting narrative.
Schmuckli highlights Julien’s ability to traverse global landscapes and capture the complexities of communities worldwide in his work. His background in filmmaking and his commitment to storytelling are evident in his ability to blend historical events with contemporary perspectives. Julien’s films challenge viewers to engage with complex narratives and reconsider established truths, inviting them to explore new ways of understanding history and identity. His U.S. retrospective at the de Young Museum promises to be a transformative experience for all who attend, offering a unique opportunity to engage with the work of a pioneering artist and filmmaker.