Samson Kambalu Interviewed by Claire Armitstead

Artist Samson Kambalu talks about his life and work that has seen him go from Malawi to teaching in Oxford and creating a new bronze sculpture, Antelope, that was installed on Trafalgar Square’s fourth plinth in September.

Kambalu describes a childhood in Malawi that was rich in books and philosophy but short on money. And he explains how an artistic and ambitious young man growing up in Malawi was able to find his way to Britain, exhibit across the world, and create an iconic statue for Trafalgar Square.

‘An African memoir unlike any other I have read . . . Filled with wonder, humour and hope.’ Aminatta Forna

Kambalu lives and works in Oxford. He is an associate professor of fine art and director of research at the Ruskin School of Art and a fellow at Magdalen College. He has exhibited across the world including at contemporary art festivals in Dakar, Liverpool and Venice. Here he talks to Claire Armitstead, associate editor culture for the Guardian. She presents the weekly Guardian books podcast and is a regular commentator on radio and at live events.

This event is part of the festival’s programme of African literature and culture.