My Catechism 1997

Curator: Here we have Donald Rodney's "My Catechism" consisting of mixed media displayed in lightboxes. There's a haunting quality to the presentation. Editor: It evokes a sense of institutional control. The clinical display jars with the likely personal, painful content. Curator: Rodney's work often explored his experiences of living with sickle cell anaemia and the broader social and political contexts of race and identity in Britain. Editor: It speaks to the ways in which Black bodies are historically subjected to medical scrutiny and societal oppression, presented here like specimens. Curator: The lightboxes themselves add to this sterile environment, creating a kind of illuminated archive. Editor: It's a powerful statement. The presentation highlights the emotional detachment often inherent in systems of power. Curator: Absolutely. It gives us pause to consider the ways in which personal narratives are shaped by larger societal forces. Editor: And how those forces continue to impact marginalized communities today.