Foluke Taylor
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Foluke Taylor's PhD research project
Creative writing in a Black Feminist context: Therapeutic possibility
This project proposes that creative writing in a Black Feminist context uniquely helps engender an abolitionist mode of world-building largely absent from therapeutic discourse.
This is examined using a creative analytical practice with writing as a method of inquiry. A review of Black Feminist literature in relation to creative writing, therapeutics, and abolition grounds writing processes that include composition of a three-act play and theoretical and contextual analyses staged between acts.
Creative writing praxis is theorised by linking it to literature on Black Feminism, abolition, and therapeutics. The research creates ground for more expansive ways of thinking about the possibilities of knowledge production and practices of freedom offered by Black Feminist practices in creative writing. It adds to a therapeutic discourse that has not included an engagement with Black Feminism or consideration of its potential for the field of practice.
Researcher biography
Foluke is a therapist, writer, author, and speaker. Her published work includes two monographs; a biomythography How the Hiding Seek (2018) and her most recent book, Unruly Therapeutic: Black Feminist Writings and Practices in Living Room (2023, W.W. Norton, London and New York). She has also contributed to a range of academic journals and edited collections including chapters in What is Normal: Psychotherapists Explore the Question (2020, Karnac Books), White Therapies + Black Identities (2021, PCCS Books) and the forthcoming Black women, trauma and therapy:Revolutionising therapeutic thought and practice (PCCS Books, 2025).
Foluke has taught across a range of higher education institutions and is currently a CHASE funded doctoral researcher at Goldsmiths College, University of London. Her research focuses on Black feminisms and Black feminist poetics, engaging creative writing to explore their possibilities for therapeutic practice.
After a decade spent in The Gambia working in the education and social welfare sectors, writing and raising a family, Foluke returned to London where she is now based. As someone who is inspired and energised by collaborative and collective projects, she values the many opportunities she has had to experiment across disciplines and co-create with others transnationally. This includes working with artists, visual arts organisations, artist cooperatives, galleries and museums. In an ongoing collaboration as part of Dr Barby Asante’s Declaration of Independence project, Foluke has contributed to performance installations across Britain and Europe. She features in the film ‘daughter(s) of diaspora’ by Black-feminist artist-researcher Dr Nydia Swaby and on various podcasts.