What Is British Identity? | Artist Jeremy Deller | Louisiana Channel

“I think all my work around British Identity is definitely me trying to understand it.”
Amidst the vibrant backdrop of his studio in North London, Jeremy Deller takes us on a journey through his 30-year-long artistic investigation of British culture, history, and identity. Deller's body of work reflects an insatiable curiosity and ability to seamlessly weave historical narratives with contemporary themes. From an inflatable version of the Stone Henge to “Everybody in the Place,” a film about how 80es dance music changed the political and cultural landscape, Deller's works are as diverse as the people and stories that shape the British identity.
“You can’t get things done if you don’t work with people”
A key element of Deller’s practice is working with groups and communities. Among recent projects, he worked with the fans of Arsenal Football Club to create a series of large artworks for the exterior of the Emirates Stadium. “I like working with groups of people and how the work can change because the public changes it,” Deller explains.
”The point about British identity is that no one really knows what it is… that’s probably why it's so good to work with.”
From film and performances to graphic work and merchandise, all of Deller’s work acts as a mirror, reflecting the complexities and contradictions of British society. From music and fashion to sporting events and public celebrations, Deller believes that these cultural touchstones play a crucial role in shaping societal identities.
Jeremy Deller is born in London in 1966. His practice encompasses installations, performances, videos, and public collaborations. He was awarded the Turner Prize in 2004 and represented Great Britain at the 55th Venice Biennale in 2013. Deller's collaborative projects include "We're Here Because We're Here," where volunteers dressed as World War I soldiers for a collective remembrance experience. His works have been exhibited internationally, including Buenos Aires, Hong Kong, Mexico City, New York City, Moscow, Singapore, Tokyo, and Copenhagen.
Jeremy Deller was interviewed by Nanna Rebekka in his studio in North London in February 2023 and during the installation of his solo exhibition “Welcome to the Shitshow” at Kunsthal Charlottenborg in Copenhagen.
Camera: Kyle Stevenson, Simon Weyhe
Produced and edited by: Nanna Rebekka
Copyright: Louisiana Channel, Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, 2023
Louisiana Channel is supported by Den A.P. Møllerske Støttefond, Ny Carlsbergfondet and C.L. Davids Fond og Samling.
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[@littlerelief5029]

If this is correct... I think this toured in Australia and if its the same one, i got kicked and injured on this stonehenge jumping castle. Never thought this would reeneter my life.

[@LegPuppy]

I worked at AFC too as a designer in 2019. I also make dystopian music.

[@dylanwilliams7915]

So frustrating how Deller - how by his own admission - is very interested in national identity and yet seems to flip between calling things 'British' and 'English' as if they mean the same thing. I'm Welsh and I don't feel British. Just seems a bit clumsy

[@clownrecords2869]

Could not agree more.

[@dylanwilliams7915]

@@clownrecords2869 It looks like all the stuff shown is just English so why not call it English rather than British...the mind baffles!

[@ghostdog5525]

I think this comes from him being English. The English generally do not have a strong national identity (putting aside the English Nationalist fringes) like the Welsh or Scots do. So we tend to use English and British interchangeably without thinking. But you are right he professes to think about national identity a lot.

[@dylanwilliams7915]

@@ghostdog5525Yes I think I agree. Whilst in Wales and Scotland there are obvious, 'physical' differences (such as the Welsh language and, say, kilts), there is little to fully distinguish something English of its own. But for Deller to say he is an 'expert' in it (0:48) and not acknowledge these things is a bit odd. I would argue, this mishap of equating Britishness to Englishness is very much quite an English thing to do 😂 You wouldn't see this 'mishap' happening half as much from a Welsh person or a Scottish person, let alone from an expert!

[@mamumonkan]

Personal Best Of Britain : Martin Parr , Adam Curtis , Jeremy Deller (not Emin , not Hirst, not Tillm ... )

[@BlazejMarczak]

A fine selection Dear.

[@NickQuinn1986]

love Martin Parr!!! great selection

[@mattwilmshurst8456]

With you on the intrusive motorbikes. Electric all the way!

[@hailbows]

Tiptoeing around the colonial

[@eartherdelor]

Yes i also thought this. Bit of a gaping hole really

[@vandolmatzis8146]

I like,reminds me of my Beuys

[@user-uo7jx6gx2t]

a long history of parochialism as demonstrated by brexit. see themselves as superior. the poms that came to australia were and still are insular and quite arrogant. its better now than it was but they brought their racial prejudices with them.

[@hellwheresthefire]

You can fool some of the people all the time and all the people some of the time.

[@dot23X]

@jimmythegiant