Ilford son is a tribute to Nigel Benn, the Ilford-born boxing legend. The two-time world champion, originally from Henley Road and of Barbadian heritage, had an international career during the 1980s and 90s, fighting some of the best of his era. Benn earned prestigious titles such as the WBO Middleweight World Champion and the WBC Super-Middleweight World Champion.

The artwork combines a data visualisation that showcases key information from all of Benn’s fights with a digital representation of him generated through AI. This modern digital approach is balanced with an analogue photographic process from the 19th century known as cyanotype, resulting in a handmade Prussian blue print.

The creation of Ilford son involved a meticulous process of research and artistic experimentation. Mister Geez began by diving deep into Nigel Benn’s career, reading his autobiography and collecting data from each of his professional fights. This information was then transformed into a visually striking data visualisation using custom-coded algorithms. The resulting graphic not only presents Benn’s impressive record but also tells the story of his career trajectory, highlighting key moments and opponents.

To capture the essence of Benn as a fighter, Mister Geez employed cutting-edge AI technology to generate a digital portrait. This portrait was then carefully integrated with the data visualisation, creating a layered image that represents both the man and his achievements. The final step in the process involved translating this digital composition into a physical artwork using the cyanotype technique. This 19th century photographic printing process, which produces a distinctive Prussian blue colour, adds a timeless quality to the piece. The handmade nature of the cyanotype print introduces an element of uniqueness and tactility, bridging the gap between the digital and physical realms.

The inspiration for Ilford son came from a desire to celebrate local heroes and explore the intersection of traditional and contemporary artistic techniques. By honoring Nigel Benn, Mister Geez not only pays tribute to a boxing legend but also highlights the rich cultural heritage of Ilford. The artwork serves as a testament to the power of data in storytelling and the potential of technology to enhance artistic expression, while still maintaining a connection to historical photographic processes.

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Mister Geez (Gerald Marie-Nelly) is a London-based visual artist originally from the Caribbean island of Martinique. His art practice centres on street and documentary photography, along with mixed-media projects that merge photography with data visualisation, often involving coding techniques to create distinctive, layered pieces.