The Walker Art Gallery will host a major exhibition celebrating Black British women and non-binary artists.
Conversations (19 October 2024 to 9 March 2025) will be the first exhibition of its kind to be held in a national art gallery in the UK.
The ambitious exhibition brings together work by around 40 leading Black women and non-binary artists who are transforming contemporary British art today. A wide range of media will be represented, from traditional fine art practices including painting and sculpture, to contemporary forms such as sound and installation; most of which date from the last ten years.
Through the powerful artworks on display, the exhibition aims to provide a platform for crucial conversations to take place, asking poignant and necessary questions about today’s culture and society. The exhibition takes place in the wake of the distressing acts of violence, hatred and racism seen across the UK in recent months, demonstrating the timely and vital need for discussion and understanding.
The majority of the artworks on display are borrowed directly from the artists themselves, with some from public collections and a small number from National Museums Liverpool’s own collection. Discussions around which artists might be included in the exhibition were held with a steering group representing a cross-section of artists, curators and academics from across the UK.
The exhibition is part of a wider research and collecting project through which the Walker aims to acquire new artwork by Black British women and non-binary artists, who are currently underrepresented within its collection.
Conversations is supported by Art Fund and the Paul Mellon Centre for Studies in British Art. The exhibition will be accompanied by an illustrated publication containing in-conversation discussions and a selection of essays.
The following artists feature in the exhibition: Alberta Whittle, Amber Akaunu & Elliss Eyo-Thompson, Anthea Hamilton, Bernice Mulenga, Bokani, Charmaine Watkiss, Claudette Johnson, Danielle Brathwaite-Shirley, Emma Prempeh, Evan Ifekoya, Hannah Black, Helen Cammock, Ivy Kalungi, Jade de Montserrat, Jioni Warner, Joy Labinjo, Joy Yamusangie, Kemi Onabulé, Khadija Saye, Lakwena Maciver, Lubaina Himid, Maud Sulter, Michaela Yearwood-Dan, Miranda Forrester, Nnena Kalu, Olivia Sterling, Onyeka Igwe, Phoebe Collings-James, Quilla Constance, Rachel Jones, Rene Matić, Rhea Dillon, Rudy Loewe, Sahara Longe, Sharon Walters, Simone Brewster, Sola Olulode, Sumuyya Khader, Zinzi Minott
Text extracted from the Walker Art Gallery Media Release for the 'Conversations' exhibition.
October 23, 2024
