The art world is witnessing a profound shift towards inclusivity and representation, with recent exhibitions and installations embracing the rich tapestry of Black artistry. Two outstanding showcases, “In the Black Fantastic” at the Hayward Gallery and Thomas J. Price’s remarkable sculptures at the Victoria and Albert Museum, present a powerful testament to the creative prowess of Black artists and their exploration of identity, mythology, and racial injustices.
In the Black Fantastic, curated by the esteemed Ekow Eshun, is an eagerly anticipated and groundbreaking exhibition. For the first time in the UK, this mesmerizing collection delves into the realm of the eccentric through the lenses of Black artists. Drawing inspiration from mythology, folklore, science fiction, and Afrofuturism, the shows 11 featured artists employ their work as a conduit to explore the complexities of race and identity beyond the confines of the Western imaginary. Through their artistic expressions, they challenge societal norms, interrogate racism, and envision new possibilities for Black experiences.
Key references for the exhibition are found in groundbreaking TV and film productions like Black Panther, Lovecraft Country and Get Out. These works profoundly examined fantasy from the Black perspective, raising profound questions about belonging, otherness, and racial constructs. By using myth, African cultural survivals, and spiritual practices, these artists create captivating new worlds and offer fresh visions that transcend the limitations imposed by racism.
Among the exhibition’s many highlights, the opening piece is a striking and thought-provoking installation by the gifted sculptor and performance artist Nick Cave. Hundreds of Black arms linked together like chains create a commanding visual, inviting viewers to reflect on the impact of racial prejudice. Cave’s iconic Soundsuits, awe-inspiring wearable sculptures, are also on display, adorned with feathers, sequins, hair, and beads. These poignant pieces serve as a response to historical events, aiming to transcend race and challenge viewers to see without prejudice. A new Soundsuit dedicated to George Floyd stands as a poignant tribute to a life lost.
Environmentalism, utopia, and gender identity also find their place in the exhibition, exemplified by the exceptional works of artists like Wangechi Mutu and Lina Iris Viktor. Mutu’s mythical collages, accompanied by her film The End of Eating Everything, critique overconsumption in society, while Viktor’s gold sculptures explore Egyptian funerary traditions and reveal the fluidity of gender, common in pre-colonial cultures.
At the Victoria and Albert Museum, Thomas J. Price’s captivating sculptures disrupt traditional notions of power and privilege. Embodying everyday Black individuals, his works challenge the idea of portraiture, creating fictional characters that celebrate the value and worth of each person. Placed alongside more conventional statues, Price’s pieces present a democratic and empowering vision, fostering a sense of inclusion and representation.
The art world’s embrace of greater diversity is evident as museums and galleries reassess their collections to include more works by women and people of color. Price’s powerful sculptures provide a poignant contrast to more traditional pieces, inviting viewers to consider the evolution of representation over the centuries.
As society embraces inclusivity, art becomes a potent vehicle for celebrating the contributions of diverse communities. Through In the Black Fantastic and Thomas J. Price’s thought-provoking sculptures, the art world takes significant strides in acknowledging and valuing the experiences and narratives of Black artists. By recognizing their talents and stories, we forge a path towards a more equitable and representative future, where everyone’s voice is heard, respected, and cherished.