London Art Exhibition Delves into the Dynamics of Black Representation
A groundbreaking exhibition, ‘The Time is Always Now,’ has opened at the National Portrait Gallery in London. It showcases works by 22 artists from the African diaspora. The exhibit explores the depiction of the Black figure in Western art throughout history, providing contemporary artists an opportunity to reshape the narrative.
Curated by writer Ekow Eshun, the exhibition features 55 artworks that delve into history, race, and identity themes. Eshun, who spent five years crafting the show, views it as a personal project that speaks to his experiences as a person of African origin. He expresses a keen interest in exploring how Black individuals are portrayed, providing insights into their appearance, emotions, and interactions with the world.
The exhibition’s title, taken from an essay on desegregation by American author James Baldwin, reminds us that Black art is in a constant state of evolution. Eshun notes that Black artists are currently experiencing a moment of flourishing, and ‘The Time is Always Now’ captures an ongoing conversation among artists of color.
The exhibition features renowned artists such as Michael Armitage, Lubaina Himid, Kerry James Marshall, Toyin Ojih Odutola, and Amy Sherald. It showcases the diversity of perspectives within the African diaspora. These artists hail from various regions, including Africa and the Caribbean, contributing to the exhibit’s richness.
The three core themes of the exhibition—Double Consciousness, Persistence of History, and Kinship and Connection—invite viewers to see through the eyes of Black artists, challenging stereotypes and exploring forgotten narratives. ‘Double Consciousness’ is examined through works by artists like Claudette Johnson and Amy Sherald, who scrutinize self-perceptions and external stereotypes. The theme of the ‘Persistence of History’ is explored by Kimathi Donkor and Godfried Donkor, who delve into stories of freedom fighters and African American boxers born into slavery, respectively.
‘The Time is Always Now’ is not only a reflection on history and identity but also a celebration of the Black figure. The artworks presented in the 21st century turn historical depictions on their head, offering nuanced, complex, and celebratory representations. Eshun emphasizes that the artists in the exhibition depict the Black figure with depth and subjectivity, illustrating a range of possibilities distinct from the historical representations by artists of European or White descent.
The exhibition will run until May 19, providing a platform for critical conversations around Black representation and offering a fresh perspective on the evolution of Black art.
