Steve McQueen: Grenfell

Steve McQueen
Grenfell, 2019
colour video, sound
24 minutes, 2 seconds
edition of 2 + 1HC

In December 2017, artist and filmmaker Steve M^cQueen (b.1969, London) made an artwork in response to the fire that took place earlier that year on 14 June at Grenfell Tower. 72 people died in the tragedy. Filming the tower before it was covered with hoarding, M^cQueen sought to create a record so that it would not be forgotten.

Following the fire, a Government Inquiry was launched that was conducted in two phases. The findings of the first and second phase of the Inquiry have been reported, the recommendations of which are yet to be implemented, meaning a similar tragedy could happen again. There is an ongoing criminal investigation.

Steve M^cQueen said “I knew once the tower was covered up, it would start to leave people’s minds. I was determined that it never be forgotten.”

This national tour is being coordinated by Tate in collaboration with the partner venues and is made possible thanks to support using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England and from Art Fund.