A London-based film maker, John Akomfrah, has won this year’s Artes Mundi contemporary art prize at a ceremony at the National Museum Cardiff.
John Akomfrah’s work ‘Auto Da Fé’ which translates as ‘Act of faith’ is a forty minute film about Jewish immigrants who fled to Barbados from Brazil in the 17th century.
At the ceremony last night Mr Akomfrah said he was ‘absolutely touched’ to win the award. He also used his speech to talk about immigration after Brexit.
Along with the award Mr Akomfrah has won £40,000. He has said that he will use the money to make another film.
The film is currently on show at National Museum Cardiff and at Chapter Arts Centre until February 26th, along with the work of all the six finalists.
Welsh artist Bedwyr Williams was also a winner on the night. Mr Williams won The Derek Williams Trust Purchase Award which means his work will be bought by National Museum Cardiff and added to its permanent collection.
Melissa Hinkin, Exhibitions Officer for Artes Mundi says “it’s good for the art to stay in Wales.”
