Francesco Coppola

Francesco Coppola is a Chinese-Italian experimental filmmaker and researcher based in London. He produces site-specific films and installations that reflect upon the ways we romanticise spaces and places. In particular, the spaces where there is a form of decay, conflict, or ongoing change in spatial narratives. For example, his recent work examined nationalism in Italy, challenged gentrification in Canary Wharf and interrogated perceived whiteness in China.

Francesco has made commissioned films for the BBC, screened at the Institute of Contemporary Arts, and worked as a freelance animator for multiple historical institutions, including the Smithsonian Institution. His films have screened at multiple festivals, winning shortlist awards for the Zealous Amplify: Mental Health and Wellbeing competition and the 2022 OPPO Renovators Emerging Artist competition

My work seeks to draw out memories of specific spaces in order to subvert and challenge forms of nostalgia. I take cues from organisations that lie in the field of Critical Spatial Practice; the critical, the spatial, and the interdisciplinary. For example, my recent films have examined nationalism in Italy, challenged gentrification in Canary Wharf and interrogated perceived whiteness in China. Alongside filmmaking, I create installations to more experientially tap into and challenge nostalgia. My installations have exhibited at galleries and group shows. After the RCA I intend to shape these installations for retail spaces.

I embrace a blend of digital and analog animation methods in my spatial storytelling. I utilize 3D animation to create immersive digital spaces, uncanny character animations and time-lapse simulations. I selectively manipulate this imagery by transferring the digital image on to physical materials such as agar-agar*. The physical memory of agar imposes upon each frame simultaneously degrading It and enhancing its nostalgic qualities.

My pivot to animation was preceded by other academic and creative disciplines. My BA in International History and Economic History equipped me with methodologies for research that are still central to informing my critical and spatial practice. Professionally, I have worked in the luxury design and retail sectors. I intend to marry this commercial experience with my current installation practice.

*agar-agar is a gelatine derived from algae