‘Cinerama’ featured two collaborations between the acclaimed British film-maker and artist Isaac Julien and the Venezuelan-born choreographer and dancer Javier De Frutos.
Issac Julien’s contribution to this compelling project won him a prestigious Turner-Prize nomination in 2001.

‘The Long Road to Mazatlan’ is set in the Texas landscape around San Antonio, this triptych projection - richly colourful and vividly soundtracked - explored the mythologies of the American West, the iconic image of the cowboy and its place within gay culture. The Western landscape of drive-in motels and desert skies, Tex-mex bars and Mariachi performances forms the backdrop for Julien and De Frutos’s exploration of cultural space, masculinity and identity.

‘Vagabondia’ was inspired by Julien’s experience of exhibiting work amongst the ephemera displayed at Sir John Soames’ Museum. A large-scale video-projection set in the Museum, ‘Vagabondia’ employs the character of ‘The Conservator’ (played by Cleo Sylvestre) - a figure who had appeared in two of Julien’s earlier works, ‘The Attendant’ (1993) and ‘Three’ (1999) - Julien reflects on the hidden history of the Museum. The past comes to life in the form of a vagabond dancer, choreographed by Javier De Frutos.

‘Cinerama’ was organised and supported by Film and Video Umbrella and Cornerhouse, with additional funding from the National Touring Programme of Arts Council England.

‘The Long Road To Mazatlan’ was commissioned by Artpace, Texas and Grand Arts, Kansas City, with additional support from London Arts Board and the Arts Council England.

Additional support was provided by the British Council and Dance Umbrella. With thanks to London Film and Video Development Agency, Victoria Miro Gallery and Rosa de la Cruz.