Ayr Town Hall to screen new, internationally acclaimed film by artist Alberta Whittle

Lagareh–The Last Born draws focus on anti-racist and pro-black advocacy, and Scotland’s historic connections to transatlantic slave trade 

The free screening is part of a 6 venue Scottish tour &  
comes ahead of major solo show at National Galleries of Scotland 

Ayr Town Hall will host a special screening of internationally acclaimed Barbadian-Scottish artist Alberta Whittle’s new film, Lagareh – The Last Born, on Wednesday 1 March (18:00-20:00). 
 
Fresh from its highly praised presentation as part of Whittle’s World Premiere exhibition of new work at the 2022 Venice Biennale – one of the world’s most prestigious visual arts festivals – the film gives primacy to the strength of contemporary Black womxn in Europe, West Africa and the Caribbean. These interconnected geographies, which formed ‘triangular route’ in the colonial era, are employed to reflect upon the traumatic legacies of chattel slavery, and its enduring impacts upon modern day policing and incarceration. 

Commissioned by the Scotland+Venice partnership and Forma, LUX Scotland is touring the film to six venues across Scotland, with a programme of invited speakers at each location until March 2023, with support from Art Fund. 

The Ayr screening will be followed by a conversation between Chidera David Chukwujekwu and Raman Mundair. The concept of ‘resistance’ will provide an interpretive frame for this discussion, to weave connections between the artist’s practice, anti-racist and pro-black advocacy, and Scotland’s historic connections to the Transatlantic slave trade. There will be a short interval between the film screening and the discussion. 

Chair of the Scotland + Venice partnership, Amanda Catto, said:  

“Lagareh is a deeply affective work that draws attention to the racial injustices, violence and death experienced by Black people in the past and the present day.  It speaks powerfully of love, family and hope despite the anger, outrage and hurt that it holds. 

“Audiences in Venice have been deeply moved and impacted by the work and this screening tour is an open invitation to people from across the country to experience this significant work first hand. 

“We’re honoured to be working with the artist and our partners LUX Scotland to ensure as many people as possible see the film ahead of Alberta’s major solo show opening at The National Galleries of Scotland next Spring.” 

The film is part of Whittle’s wider body of work – deep dive (pause) uncoiling memory – that was exhibited at the Venice Biennale from 23 April – 27 November 2022. The exhibition also featured tapestry created in collaboration with Dovecot Studios and sculpture created in collaboration with Glasgow Sculpture Studios.  Join Alberta for a tour of the show and an insight into her approach to the work here. 

National Galleries of Scotland will stage a major solo presentation of Alberta’s work from Sat 1 Apr 2023 – Sun 7 Jan 2024 which will explore her practice in depth, including works from the Venice exhibition.