Taking its inspiration, and part of its title, from Derek Walcott's Homeric epic poem 'Omeros', this installation is both a development and a refinement in the artist-filmmaker's work. On a formal level, the subtle use of split-screen indicates a new confidence and daring in the desire to explore and integrate elements of narrative into the gallery space. On a thematic level, the installation explores the diaspora experience of a young Caribbean every-boy who moves from Julien's native St Lucia to the bleak London of the 1950s. This is a fascinating work exploring the highly expressive possibilities of choreographed movement within and across the three split screens of the frame, as well as evoking a sense of mythical, poetic time shifting and whispering between past and present.Paradise Omeros is presented at the Boijmans van Beuningen Musuem.
- Director
- Isaac Julien
- Country of production
- United Kingdom
- Year
- 2002
- Festival Edition
- IFFR 2004
0- Producers
- The Bohen Foundation, Minerva Pictures Company Ltd, Colin MacCabe, Paula Jalfon
- Sales
- Victoria Miro Gallery
- Screenplay
- Isaac Julien