In 2018, Family Reference Group members proposed the idea of a photography project that focused on the ‘soul’ and life of their loved ones. 17 families collaborated with photographer, Sarah Booker, to create concept photographs, portraits and short narratives to reflect the personal and human side of the impact of state violence and abandonment.
SoulsINQUEST was first exhibited in 2023 at 198 Contemporary Arts and Learning in Brixton where it was curated by Languid Hands and accompanied by a display of archive material.
When the project travelled to Scotland in 2024, Kadi Johnson, the sister of Sheku Bayoh, joined the project. In this iteration, 18 families’ concept photographs, portraits, writing, and Scottish-focused archive selections were displayed at Platform as part of the Glasgow International Festival of Contemporary Art 2024.
Photographs by Sarah Booker, in collaboration with Anna Susianta, Tania El Keria & Gemmy Levy, Aziz Ahmed, Marcia Rigg, Lee Lawrence, Lee Jarman, Kadi Johnson, Tony Herbert & Chris Herbert, Rosie Tozer, Ajibola Lewis, Yvonne & Joanna Bailey, Donna Mooney, Melanie Leahy, James McDonald, June Hartigan, Bernard Sylvester, Sheila Sylvester, Rupert Sylvester, Linda Allan & Stuart Allan, and Stephanie Lightfoot-Bennett.
These exhibitions were possible thanks to funding from:
National Lottery Community Fund, National Lottery Heritage Fund, Aamer Anwar & Co, Garden Court Chambers and Matrix Chambers.
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Every year, INQUEST supports hundreds of families bereaved by deaths involving the state. We are independent of government and entirely reliant on grants and donations to continue our vital work.
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