Writing post-colonial spatial subjects: reading Gorée Island through Frantz Fanon

Gorée Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site off Senegal's coast, serves as a case study to explore the decolonization of spatial subjects through Frantz Fanon's lens. The research reveals how language and narrative shape the perception and colonization of architectural spaces, particularly in post-colonial contexts. By analyzing competing narratives—ranging from developmental concerns (led by Boubacar Joseph Ndiaye, UNESCO) to historical accounts (by Philip Curtin and Mark Hinchman) and symbolic significance (highlighted by Dionne Brand)—the study traces how these perspectives either perpetuate or resist the colonization of Gorée's architecture and history. Fanon's interdisciplinary approach, which combines poetic voice with resistance to historical instrumentalization, offers a framework for reimagining spaces free from colonial hegemony. This work contributes to broader discussions on post-colonial spatial subjectivity and the ethical dimensions of heritage interpretation.

Preston, S. (2019). Writing post-colonial spatial subjects: reading Gorée Island through Frantz Fanon. Text, 23(Special 55). https://doi.org/10.52086/001c.25426