'Silence Can Be A Form of Self-Dismissal' Julianknxx on the Art of Filmmaking

Poetry isn't just present in art, it's embedded into everyday moments. For Julianknxx, beauty lies in the mundanity of existence.

We first came across Julianknxx's work when we commissioned him for our Bodies of Knowledge project in 2020, the same year he founded his art practice, which goes via the alias Studioknxx. Fusing poetry with moving image, many of Julianknxx's films (real name, Julian Knox) engage with the human experience beyond written contemplation, drawing on West African traditions to help detail the struggles and triumphs of humanity.

In the past week alone, Julianknxx has counted as one of the shortlisted nominees for the prestigious Jarman award, as well as show work with the New York Video Art and Experimental Film Festival. We caught up with the artist to find out more.

Christina Donoghue: Why did you choose to make the film 'On Freedom of Movement' (wi de muv), and can you talk to me about the wider project it's situated within, After the Ocean?

Julianknxx: The film was commissioned by ODI and Labrum as part of their collaborative effort. It stemmed from ODI's research on migration, prompting Labrum to explore the intersection of fashion and the creative sector in Freetown. Given that water, migration, and movement are recurring themes in my work, particularly in 'In Praise of Still Boys,' the film wi de muv naturally became an extension of the ongoing discourse surrounding contemporary migration. After the Ocean is a series in which I explore the ocean as both a point of departure and meeting, of movement and multiplicities, with water becoming a symbol of life and loss, death and rapture, tragedy and transformation, while continuing to operate as a conduit for shared experiences.

CD: Can you talk a bit about the brand featured, Madam Wokie?

Julianknxx: Labrum is the brand I collaborated with. With its focus on menswear fashion, Labrum intertwines narratives about West Africa and, more specifically, Sierra Leone. Foday Dumbuya, the founder of Labrum, spearheaded the collaboration with Madam Wokie. Foday's commitment lies in unravelling untold stories that resonate with the rich tapestry of the region.

CD: You work a lot within the medium of film; what is it about this medium that speaks to you, as a poet?

Julianknxx: Film, for me, has become a canvas that adds texture, colour, light, and emotion to a poem or story. It's not that poetry lacks these elements, but it’s been about exploring new ways to push the form.

CD: What do you want the viewer to take away from this film?

Julianknxx: The essence of the mayor's words in the film encapsulates my intention — she wants to foster a sense of community, urging people to stay, invest, and actively participate in the development of the country, rather than opting to leave.

CD: The narration in this film pivots around the idea of being forced to leave a place rather than choose to; would you agree there was an element of autobiography in this film?

Julianknxx: I would agree that there is an element of this. In a sense, every artist's work is autobiographical, reflecting their interpretation and understanding of the world, and serves as a way of marking time.

CD: Is self-reflection important to you when making/ creating?

Julianknxx: Yes, self-reflection is paramount in my creative process. It serves as a compass and helps guide my choices and ensure authenticity in my work.

CD: I once read in an interview that you said, 'To keep quiet is to constantly reject yourself.' I'm really intrigued by this notion / idea and was wondering if you could expand upon it?

Julianknxx: I believe that silence essentially can be a form of self-dismissal. By choosing not to express yourself, be it through words, art, or action, it's like denying your own voice and unique perspective. I think that embracing expression is a powerful affirmation of identity and a way to genuinely interact with the world.