Sonata in Red (Once Again... Statues Never Die), 2022
Inkjet print on Hahnemühle Photo Rag Ultrasmooth
225 x 150 cm
Edition of 6 + 2 AP

In Sonata in Red (Once Again… Statues Never Die), Julien directly references his 1989 film, Looking for Langston, which explores the queer community of Harlem in the 1920s. In this sensual and rhythmic portrayal, André Holland embodies Alain Locke in a dream-like moment, with his shadow cast onto the wall as he descends a staircase to meet his lover. Here, Julien skilfully evokes a sense of longing and potential, encapsulating the essence of these images as a “diasporic dream-space,” and emphasising their significance in exploring imaginative possibilities.

Installation view; Isaac Julien Sonata in Red (Once Again... Statues Never Die), 2022; Inkjet print on Hahnemühle Photo Rag Ultrasmooth; 225 x 150 cm; Edition of 6 + 2 AP; enquire
Installation view