As the William Blake exhibition comes to a close, this panel discussion considers new perspectives on Blake’s work emerging in the twenty-first century. How are contemporary artists and writers drawing on Blake’s life and work? What influence does Blake have on culture today?
Contributors include the poet Mr Gee, artist Brian Catling and musician Nabihah Iqbal. The discussion will be chaired by writer John Higgs, author of the new book William Blake Now: Why He Matters More Than Ever.
With an additional ticket, participants can enjoy a private view of the William Blake exhibition after the discussion.
Biographies
Brian Catling
Brian Catling is a multi-media artist whose practice has encompassed sculpture, painting, performance, video making and poetry. He has been exhibiting his work internationally since 1975.
Mr Gee
Mr Gee is a veteran of the UK’s spoken word scene and a BBC radio presenter. Gee champions promoting unheard voices in society, in part through his extensive rehabilitation work in prisons. He has delivered TEDx talks, starred in West End shows and is known as ‘Poet Laureate’ on Russell Brand’s SONY award-winning radio show. He's most recently developed a William Blake inspired artwork called Bring Me My Fire Truck, commissioned by the ODI (Open Data Institute), which explores the spirit of Brexit.
John Higgs
John Higgs is a writer who specialises in finding previously unsuspected narratives, hidden in obscure corners of our history and culture, which can change the way we see the world. His books include Watling Street, The KLF, Stanger Than We Can Imagine, The Future Starts Here and William Blake Now. His first play, HG Wells and The Spiders From Mars, will be performed in London in 2020, and he is currently working on a book called William Blake Vs The World, which will be published in 2021.
Nabihah Iqbal
Nabihah Iqbal is a musician, producer, DJ and broadcaster from London. Her debut album Weighing of the Heart was released via Ninja Tune in December 2017. She is currently an artist-in-residence at Somerset House, where she is writing and recording her second album. Nabihah hosts a bi-weekly show on NTS Radio, exploring musical traditions and cultures without boundaries. She has also been a resident on BBC Radio since November 2018, hosting shows on BBC Radio 1, Asian Network and World Service.