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Saturday, July 25, 2026 · No. 205
Artist Profile

John Akomfrah

John Akomfrah is a British artist and filmmaker recognized for his multi-channel video installations that explore themes of memory, post-colonialism, and social history through complex archival montages.

Biography

Born in Ghana and based in the United Kingdom, John Akomfrah is a multidisciplinary artist, writer, and filmmaker whose practice is defined by a rigorous engagement with political and cinematic form. He first gained prominence as a founding member of the Black Audio Film Collective, an influential group that utilized experimental documentary techniques to examine the Black British experience.

Akomfrah’s signature works are immersive, multi-channel video installations that weave together archival footage, historical narratives, and contemporary commentary. His practice often addresses global histories, including civil rights movements, colonial legacies, and environmental concerns, utilizing sophisticated surround-sound design and modular editing to create expansive, non-linear viewing experiences.

His recent recognition includes representing the United Kingdom at the 60th Venice Biennale with his ambitious eight-canto project, Listening All Night To The Rain. His work continues to be featured in major international institutions, including recent solo presentations at the Lisson Gallery and co-commissions by the Menil Collection and the Baltimore Museum of Art.

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Notable Works

  • Listening All Night To The Rain · 2024Multi-channel video installation
  • Canto VI · 2024Eight-channel HD video installation
  • The Hour Of The Dog · 2026Six-channel video installation

Career Highlights

  • 2024British Pavilion representation at the 60th Venice Biennale
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From The Cultural Signal

Lisson Gallery to Present US Premiere of John Akomfrah’s 'Listening All Night To The Rain'

Lisson Gallery to Present US Premiere of John Akomfrah’s 'Listening All Night To The Rain'

Lisson Gallery in New York is presenting the US premiere of John Akomfrah's eight-canto work Listening All Night To The Rain. The exhibition debuts the central multi-channel film Canto VI (2024) and adapts the project's structure into a focused cinematic installation.

ExhibitionContemporaryNew MediaNew York
Lisson Gallery New York Presents John Akomfrah Exhibition and Artforum Interview Series

Lisson Gallery New York Presents John Akomfrah Exhibition and Artforum Interview Series

On March 25, 2026, Artforum released an episode of Under the Influence featuring artist, filmmaker and writer John Akomfrah. He discusses admired works including Andrea Mantegna’s The Lamentation of Christ and J. M. W.

ExhibitionContemporaryNew YorkNew Media
Lisson Gallery to Host US Premiere of John Akomfrah’s 'Canto VI' in New York

Lisson Gallery to Host US Premiere of John Akomfrah’s 'Canto VI' in New York

Lisson Gallery in New York is presenting the US premiere of John Akomfrah’s Canto VI. The eight-channel HD video installation with surround sound forms the sixth canto from his series Listening All Night To The Rain.

ExhibitionContemporaryNew MediaNew York

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