One Year On: Sandra Poulson
Sandra Poulson’s 2020 Project ‘An Angolan Archive’ is an archival piece of information explored through documents, artefacts, garments, moments, headlines, oral tradition and historical data that define the sociocultural, economic, political, ethnic and cultural landscape of Angola. It operates as an instigator for action towards progress by creating an opportunity for individual agency for one to “discuss their own story” and, by all means, tell it.
With the 2021 MullenLowe NOVA Awards underway, we caught up with Sandra to find out what she’s been up to since being crowned the overall winner of the 2020 MullenLowe NOVA Awards and recipient of the YourNOVA ‘People’s Choice’ Award.
What have you been up to since winning a MullenLowe NOVA Award? Any exhibitions, collaborations or new career plans?
In the last year I have been continuing to develop my practice and working on commissions for exhibitions to take place this year. I started working with Jahmek Contemporary Art, a gallery based in my hometown Luanda, and am currently preparing to show at Arco Madrid at the beginning of July. I have also participated in a number of online exhibitions, such as Art Joburg – Art Fair, and Abuja Art Week. My graduation project film ‘The Ladder’ (An Angolan Archive, 2020) has been screened with Boda Boda Lounge Film Festival in 18 Venues across Africa, SALTS – Basel, and at the Guggenheim Museum in New York.
How has winning help further your work?
Winning these awards was unprecedented in the projection of my work to a wider audience. It allowed the conversations of the work to be accessed by so many people, bringing many opportunities that are helping me set a foundation for my practice.
Have you done anything exiting with the prize money yet?
With the award money I set-up my own studio in London, and bought machinery and equipment that I was only able to access through the university before. I was also able to continue researching and producing works that I will be showing in due time.
What are your plans for the future?
Knowing that the last year was quite unpredictable, with shows postponed and cancelled, I am focusing in continuing to make, and looking forward to a research trip in Luanda possibly later this year. Also currently preparing for an Art Fair in September, and a solo exhibition next year.
Find out more about Sandra’s recent work here
