A comprehensive survey of the work of Donald Rodney who, at the time of his death in 1998 aged 36, had produced some of the most engaging, provocative and innovative work by a British artist of his generation.

Autograph was granted unique access to the artist’s private archive in the process of researching this publication, including many previously unpublished images.

Doublethink presents not only the wide range of art forms he employed but also highlights the ways in which self-portraiture and the body were often conduits for wider social and political narratives. It establishes the legacy of an artist who might otherwise have remained overlooked, placing him at the heart of the artistic, social and political contexts in which his work was created.

With a preface by Professor Stuart Hall and essays by Eddie Chambers and Virginia Nimarkoh.

Limited stock available.

DONALD RODNEY

Donald Rodney (b. West Bromwich, 1961–1998) was a British artist. He was born in West Bromwich, to Jamaican parents, and grew up in Smethwick, on the outskirts of Birmingham. He studied Art Foundation at Bournville School of Art, Birmingham (1980-81); BA Fine Art at Trent Polytechnic in Nottingham (1981–1985); and completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Multi-Media Fine Art at Slade School of Fine Art in London (1987). Rodney first gained visibility as a member of the BLK Art Group in the early 1980s, through a series of exhibitions titled The Pan-Afrikan Connection (1981–84).  

Rodney’s solo exhibitions include Reimagining Donald Rodney, Vivid Projects, Birmingham (2016); Donald Rodney – In Retrospect, iniva, London (2008); 9 Night in Eldorado, South London Gallery (1997); Cataract, Camerawork, London (1991); Critical, Rochdale Art Gallery (1990); Crisis, Chisenhale Gallery, London (1989); The First White Christmas & Other Empire Stories, Saltley Print and Media, Birmingham (1985); and The Atrocity Exhibition & Other Empire Stories, Black Art Gallery, London (1986). 

Rodney’s work is in the collections of Tate Gallery, London; Arts Council England; the British Council; the Government Art Collection; Museums Sheffield; the National Galleries of Wales; South London Gallery; Wolverhampton Art Gallery; and Birmingham City Art Gallery.