The poet and filmmaker discusses his lush, spiritual, powerful work.

Invoking the essence of two of his most arresting poems This Air and Can’t Breathe, Black Corporeal is an exploration of breathing in a world in which Black people are being suffocated at the hands of the police. Julianknxx, who is from Sierra Leone, also describes the work as “an examination of the fullness of our lives through our bodies”. Filmed during the 2020 lockdown, Black Corporeal features British actress Sophia Brown (Giri/Haji) and contemporary dancer FUBUNATION.