Valerie Antoinette George

Biography

Valerie Antoinette George is a Practice-based doctoral candidate at the University of the Arts London CCW. Her research focuses on Afro-futurism and Africanfuturism, exploring how Black British and Afro-Caribbean artists reimagine diasporic futures through film and art. As a first-generation Black British of Caribbean descent, she is particularly interested in how socio-political histories, such as the Windrush migration and civil rights movements, have shaped futuristic thought in the UK. In her practice-based PhD research, she aims to decolonize the term Afrofuturism and propose new frameworks for UK-specific futurisms, centring the contributions of Black British and Afro-Caribbean creatives.

Valerie is a multidisciplinary artist, 3D modeler, and researcher with several years of professional experience in the film and visual effects industry, having contributed to high-profile projects for Netflix, DC, Disney, and Star Wars. Her expertise spans creature and character modeling, environment sculpting, and digital asset creation, with credits on productions such as Avatar: The Last Airbender, The Joker, Rebel Moon, Aquaman, and StarWars: Andor. As a character artist, she has created hero Digi-doubles for actors like Joaquin Phoenix, Dijmon Hounsou, Cameron Diaz, and Jamie Foxx, while her environment artistry has brought to life intricate worlds, from the icy landscapes of Avatar, the underwater throne room of Aquaman and the planetary temples of StarWars Andor.

Valerie holds an MA in digital Effects from the National Film and Television School and a First-Class Honours degree in Games Modelling, Animation, and Effects from London Metropolitan University. Her academic and professional journey is deeply rooted in her practice as a fine artist, with a BFA in Illustration from the School of Visual Arts in NYC. Her artistic practice ranges from traditional mediums like oil painting and clay sculpting to creating in cutting-edge digital tools (like Autodesk Maya and Zbrush), reflecting her commitment to bridging the analog and digital.

Valerie’s research engages with communities, artists, and archives to create immersive, decolonial experiences. By integrating her expertise in 3D art, film, and fine art, she seeks to forge new terminologies and practices that reflect the richness of diasporic creativity and its potential to envision alternative futures.