Turbulence. Christopher Cozier at Liverpool Biennial 2021

What happens when a society gets trapped in a cycle of excess cash and consumerism? Could  there be a link between increasing murder rates in countries which are the world’s top oil producers/extractive economies ? And at what point could “progress” as we know it, lead us to our own demise?

Earlier this year, we had the opportunity to visit Christopher Cozier in his studio, where we spoke about his new series of work: Turbulence, currently on display at Liverpool Biennial 2021. 

Turbulence is a series of over 130 ink drawings on paper, created during the past two years. In this 2-panel installation, Cozier seems to respond to the present realities of our pandemic lives – unstable, uncertain, anxious, intense, tragic… Yet, alongside it all –  the parallel of  sensitivity, chaotic beauty and wonderment, written in filigrane.  Interview with Adeline Gregoire (Co-founder CULTUREGO, Artist, Curator). March 2021. In Cozier’s studio, St. Ann’s, Trinidad & Tobago.

ABOUT/

Christopher Cozier is an artist, writer and curator, whose work aims to explore and affect conventional readings of the Caribbean. His practice is informed by the writings and the life journey of C.L.R James, a Trinidadian historian, journalist and socialist, who was a leading voice of Pan Africanism. For Cozier, the Caribbean is a fluid space and an ongoing negotiation with shifting narratives and interpretations. 

Liverpool Biennial is the UK’s largest festival of contemporary visual art. Taking over unexpected and public spaces, historic sites and art galleries, the Biennial has been transforming the city through art for over two decades. The 11th edition, The Stomach and the Port, explores notions of the body and ways of connecting with the world. 50 international artists and two collectives are taking part in this year’s Biennial – a dynamic programme of free exhibitions, performances, screenings and fringe events that shine a light on the city’s vibrant cultural scene. Liverpool Biennial: The Stomach and the Port is curated by Manuela Moscoso. Liverpool Biennial 2021 opened to the public on 20th May and continues until 27th June 2021.  https://www.biennial.com/2021