Ghosts in the Water
Elaine Mullings
‘Do you believe in ghosts?
Does water remember?
In Ghosts in the Water, artist Elaine Mullings explores migration, colonialism and hydropolitics through the lens of her Ghost Boat print series. These experimental prints were Mullings’ response to learning about African migrants whose boat disappeared without trace before reaching its destination in Italy.
Mullings’ research into the ocean’s tides and currents followed by migrants and adventurers takes her to Bexhill and Ghana in the 18th century, Sweden and Botswana in the 19th century as well as many other places in the 20th and 21st centuries: from Africa though Europe and China to the Caribbean. Mullings memorialises her many ghosts by telling their stories and honouring their lives and names. Along the way Mullings also tells us about work by visual artists, writers and scholars. Her own compelling images float and weave their way throughout the text.
This is a powerful book of stories, memories and visions, held together by water.’
Pages: 116
Published by: B.A.R.C books
Design: Amy Mock
Cover Design: Charlie Noon
Proofread: Phil Tolmie