ANIA FREER
artist
filmmaker
cultural researcher
curator
Ania Freer is an Australian-Jamaican artist, filmmaker, cultural researcher, and curator based in Kingston, Jamaica. She attended The University of Sydney and received a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and Film Theory. Through installation and video portraiture, as well as her curatorial work, Ania addresses themes central to the Jamaican experience such as Black empowerment, resistance, feminism, environmental justice, and spirituality. All while disrupting imperialist narratives, Ania collects meaningful, lesser-known stories in order to uplift the historical legacies of autonomy, self-determination, and liberation that shape her island home. She is the founder of Goat Curry Gallery, a platform which features artworks from Jamaican craft producers along with her documentary series REAL TALK, an intimate collection of interviews from across Jamaica, exploring identity through themes of social justice, class, race and familiar relationships. In 2020 Ania founded Freer Essence, a natural skincare brand, handcrafting small batch body oils, formulated to relieve anxiety and nourish the skin.
FREER ESSENCE
Image by Ali Anderson
While researching recipes for Freer Essence, I met Jennifer Jones, an artisanal oil producer from Portland, Jamaica. Using a hand-based practice of extracting coconut oil and raw cocoa butter, Jennifer is reviving local traditions and culture which are slowly fading. Aware that this high-grade oil continues to be undervalued and overlooked within Jamaica, I wanted to create a video portrait on Jennifer to give a glimpse into the craft while also capturing the love, knowledge and joy she pours into her practice. I tell stories and create products which aim to inspire a greater capacity for healing, self-love and cultural appreciation within Black communities. Reviving a sense of pride and custodianship within Jamaica is central to my filmmaking, curatorial and artistic practice. When I started Freer Essence, it was important to me that the products continued to speak to my mission and vision of creating healing space, knowledge and appreciation for the Black experience.
“I have really enjoyed the supportive and creative community which has grown out of this mentorship program.
The weekly meetings have given me a routine structure which I’ve needed! Being in such a diverse group of individuals, motivated by their unique passion projects, has been very inspiring. I’ve particularly enjoyed the workshop sessions on decolonizing your business, creating a healthy money mindset and crafting your own TED Talk.
I think these types of community building spaces are very important!
Thank you Dani for your vision!”
— Ania