Steve McQueen’s disturbing silent film Grenfell free until 10th May at the Serpentine South gallery

Film director, Sir Steve McQueen, has warned against the disturbing nature of his film, Grenfell.

Recorded from a helicopter in the months following the blaze, the 24-minute film features no words or music.

The fire at Grenfell tower, North Kensington, in 2017 killed 72 people.

McQueen, who was born in the area said he wanted to create the film before the tower was covered to ensure it will never be forgotten.

He said: “I knew once the tower was covered up, it would start to leave people’s minds.

“I was determined that it never be forgotten.”

McQueen’s self-funded production required extensive consultation with those impacted by the fire, and comes as a final report into Grenfell is set to be presented later this year.

Following a period of community outreach and private community viewings, prioritising bereaved and survivors, the artwork was released to be viewed by the public.

Grenfell is being shown for free at the Serpentine South gallery before it will form part of the Tate and Museum of London’s collections.

Paul Gilroy, contributor to the exhibition guide said: “Steve McQueen’s work suggests that there is so much more to gain in confronting the meanings of the damaged structure and making the shock of our painful contact with it instructive.

“Opening ourselves humbly to that possibility can be accomplished without betraying the tower’s plural traumas or the political complexity of this moment in which closure is not an option.

“We cannot understand Grenfell unless we keep the reality of this building firmly in mind.”

Over the last 30 years, McQueen has been influential in expanding the way in which artists work with film.

Visitors are advised that the film contains close-up aerial imagery of the tower six months after the fire.

This includes views inside the building and contractors at work.

Website: https://www.serpentinegalleries.org/whats-on/grenfell-by-steve-mcqueen/

 

Picture: An image from Steve McQueen’s, Grenfell Picture: Richard-Ivey