Peter Spanjer

About

Peter Spanjer is a Nigerian artist, born in Bremen, Germany and currently working and living in London. His work is often framed around the idea of resistance; resisting the emotional stereotypes put on black men; resisting the need to perform my blackness to others and allowing room for self exploration which he extends to an audience as a piece of visual art.

Contact

Degree Details

Statement

My work so far has always contained a layer of sensuality, sexuality and a certain softness and vulnerability which can be traced to my personal battles with breaking away from strict gender roles within a black household. 


I really try to confront my own sensitivity and often the research is based on self evaluation: trying to dismantle narratives which have been planted and may still be growing. Whilst challenging an internalised belief system, I equally try to pull apart 'ideas of blackness' within the current art sphere.

Make Me Safe

Make Me Safe
Make Me Save, Video Stills 01
Make Me Save, Video Stills 01
Make Me Save, Video Stills 02
Make Me Save, Video Stills 02
Make Me Save, Video Stills 03
Make Me Save, Video Stills 03

‘Make Me Safe’ is a reaction.
It is a reaction to the current racial pandemic targeting black people.
It is a reaction to knowing that safety is seldom.
It is a reaction to the realisation that whilst we swim to safety, we have to keep faith, whatever that means to you.
So it is also about light and softness and colour.
It is about protection and home, whoever or wherever that is for you.

Medium: Video

Size: 7:01

Damita

‘Damita’ is the first piece of sound I created for a then untitled project which has now become 'Make Me Safe' and includes a sample from the one and only Janet 'Damita' Jackson. Enjoy.

Medium: Sound

Size: 4:31