Drawing on the original conception of the gallery surrounding the Berryfield Mosaic as ‘Colchester’s sitting room’, Firstsite has re-conceived the space as a working studio for the next 3 years— a site for not only the presentation of art, but also its making.

British African-Caribbean artist, producer and activist Elsa James is the first artist to be exhibiting and working within Firstsite’s ‘Living Room’. Based in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, James’s work focuses on opinions held towards people of African Caribbean heritage and the stereotyping of Essex women. Over the next three months, she will be using the space to develop her artwork through a programme of open discussion with the Black communities in Colchester and Essex.

James’s residence begins with a selection of James’s existing works, including her films entitled ‘Forgotten Black Essex’, and ‘Goat Curry and Rap’.

www.elsajames.com