Black Men's Minds
This masterclass opened with two readings by young black men whose initial poems and artwork were central in the making of the immersive installation Black Men’s Minds. Psychotherapist and audio-visual artist Stephen Rudder then explored Racial Trauma—covering ideas of race and imperialism, stereotyping, intergenerational trauma, and societal racism. Grappling with these ideas, there was an attempt to find a way forward for black men’s mental health.
Following a collective viewing of the exhibit Black Men’s Minds, participants had the opportunity to hear the process of creating the piece, and ask questions to Rudder, composer Richard Edwards, and the young black men in the installation. The programme ended with a final poem by one of the young black men.
About the Artist and Psychotherapist
Born in London to Caribbean parents, Stephen Rudder is an award-winning audio-visual artist and psychotherapist. He holds a Masters in Psychoanalytic Psychodynamic Psychotherapy and is completing his senior clinical training at Tavistock NHS Trust.
Under the name Quiet Voice, his art practice combines diverse and often unheard voices with multimedia to bring a quality of deep insight to his work. Underlying all of Rudder’s work is a passion to create brave spaces for community collaboration which reveal and platform unheard voices. His work has been recognised by UNESCO, the Wellcome Trust, Museum of London and Science Gallery London.
About the Composer
Richard Edwards has spent many years composing music for documentaries. He holds a Masters of Arts in Music Composition, specialising in using electronic sound design with acoustic instruments. His work has been recognised internationally and was featured in the 2012 Cultural Olympiad.
