1) The Black Looks project started as a response to racism in local grassroots football, the scheme of work traces over a Century of Professional Black and Asian footballers in Britain 1863-2010 through a series of fine-art portraits. The project also highlights the hidden-history of ethnic football.
2) Black Looks is a long- term arts project that is concerned with social issues- ‘art as message’.
The Fine-Art Exhibition has grown to include over fifty pieces of original artwork including painting, drawing, print and mixed-media work. I have designed and printed corresponding information panels to match the artwork and give biographies of players.
3) The exhibition has been widely displayed in a series of solo exhibitions throughout the UK including The European Parliament in Brussels. The project has received much acclaim in the ‘Football Community,’ appearing at several Premier Clubs, key conferences and football events. The body of work has been featured in many publications and television programmes including ’Black Flash- A Century of Black Football’ shown on BBC4 and BBC2. (although the producer forgot to credit Black Looks)
4) In 2003 I developed a portable version of the Black Looks exhibition for specific use in schools and community venues. (See Black Looks portable)
5) The project has developed from one solely concerned with anti-racism in football to include the general term of ‘Football for All’, for example embracing women’s football, and the many strands of disabled football.
6) Since its conception I have worked with dozens of schools and community organizations throughout the midlands area. I have also completed many community projects with young people, creating interior and exterior murals, sculptures and numerous workshops on the theme of sport and mainstream art.
The Black Looks project would not have been made possible without the initial financial support from The Professional Footballers Association and West Midlands Arts.
A big thank you to my wife Judith Yates and to my good friend Phil Vasili, whose research material transformed my football project.
Colin Yates
Black Looks limited edition T-Shirts
Sizes: Medium, Large and Extra large.
Price £15 including p/p (UK only)
Contact colin66@btinternet.com
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