John Akomfrah’s Mimesis: African Soldier

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Glasgow’s Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) has announced its next main gallery exhibition, John Akomfrah’s Mimesis: African Soldier, which reflects on the experience of soldiers from across the Commonwealth in World War 1. The display aims to highlight the significant contribution of over six million African, Caribbean and South Asian people from across former colonies who fought, served, and died in the war.

Mimesis: African Soldier is shown across three screens, which allow us to see different perspectives and narratives at the same time. The screens display archival footage and reimagined contemporary views of historical military experiences alongside still life [nature morte] scenes, with flowing water running over objects, flags and photographs related to the soldiers. Akomfrah uses montage techniques and bricolage, weaving together new footage with archival material and still photography. This poetic approach to history and archives draws attention to overlooked stories, Britain’s historical role in conflict across the colonies, and the impact on people of colour today. 

There is no spoken narrative in the work, instead poignant quotes, an emotive soundscape including song, and words (such as disenchantment, disgust, rude awakening) appear on the screen to function as pauses or titles interspersing the powerful images and archives that we are witness to. These words encapsulate what we are seeing unfold before us and echo the soldiers’ journey and conscription into a war that is not of their making. 

John Akomfrah - Mimesis: African Soldier
3 channel HD colour video installation, 7.1 sound
Duration: 73 minutes
Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA), Royal Exchange Square, Glasgow, G1 3AH
26 October 2024 – 31 August 2025
Monday – Thursday and Saturday 10 – 5, Friday and Sunday 11 -5
Free admission