—This event has been canceled—

“Once you become aware of the implications of climate change for future generations, it is almost as if you have to respond. But I’m not a scientist…I’m an artist. I’m interested in the philosophy of climate change rather than the hard science.”

— John Akomfrah, The Guardian (2017)

Artist John Akomfrah joins Eva Respini, Barbara Lee Chief Curator, in a public conversation on the making of Purple, a monumental multi-screen film installation opening soon at the ICA Watershed. Purple seamlessly pairs archival footage with original material shot in nine different countries. The result is a timely and poetic response to the state of the world we share. Hear Akomfrah and Respini provide additional context to this ambitious installation and its undeniable relevance situated within Boston’s active harbor. 

Tickets are FREE and will be available online 24 hours before event; a limited number will also be available at the ICA starting 2 hours prior to event. Limit 2 per person. Check in at least 15 minutes prior to event, when unused tickets are released.

The Watershed opens for the season on May 26, with preview days for ICA members and East Boston residents May 23–25. Artist’s Voice ticket holders who would like to see Purple before the talk are also welcome to visit on May 23. Be sure to reserve a ticket when they become available online on May 22; your Artist’s Voice ticket will admit you to the Watershed. To ride the ICA Water Shuttle, check-in at the Holly and David Bruce Visitor Center to reserve a spot, first come first serve. We recommend traveling to the Watershed no later than on the 5 PM boat; to return in time for the talk visitors will need to be on the 6:30 PM boat back to the ICA. 

This talk will be held in the Barbara Lee Family Foundation Theater at the ICA in the Seaport.