She was learning to love moments, to love moments for themselves by Amy Sherald (2017) © Amy Sherald. Courtesy the artist and Hauser & Wirth. Photo: Joseph Hyde

Special event: ‘Our Aliveness’: Screening of Black Poirot and discussion with the director, Rosa-Johan Uddoh. Friday 8 March, 7pm. Booking
Talk: Uncovering hidden stories to tell better histories. Friday 15 March, 7pm. Booking
Talk: Trespassing: Art and Black belonging in a colonial landscape. Friday 5 April, 7pm. Booking

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Curated by Ekow Eshun

A major study of the Black figure – and its representation in contemporary art. 

The exhibition, curated by writer Ekow Eshun, showcases the work of contemporary artists from the African diaspora, including Michael Armitage, Lubaina Himid, Kerry James Marshall, Toyin Ojih Odutola and Amy Sherald, and highlights the use of figures to illuminate the richness and complexity of Black life. As well as surveying the presence of the Black figure in Western art history, we examine its absence – and the story of representation told through these works, as well as the social, psychological and cultural contexts in which they were produced.

The exhibition will feature the work of leading artists including Njideka Akunyili Crosby, Hurvin Anderson, Michael Armitage, Jordan Casteel, Noah Davis, Godfried Donkor, Kimathi Donkor, Denzil Forrester, Lubaina Himid, Claudette Johnson, Titus Kaphar, Kerry James Marshall, Wangechi Mutu, Toyin Ojih Odutola, Chris Ofili, Jennifer Packer, Nathaniel Mary Quinn, Thomas J Price, Amy Sherald, Lorna Simpson, Henry Taylor and Barbara Walker.

Download our digital guide on Bloomberg Connects to unlock audio commentary, offering reflections from artists Thomas J Price, Amy Sherald, Claudette Johnson and Jordan Casteel, as well as the chance to hear from exhibition curator Ekow Eshun.

Opening Hours

Open daily: 10.30 – 18.00
Friday & Saturday: 10.30 – 21.00

Location:

St. Martin's Pl,
London WC2H 0HE

Text and pictures, copyright national portrait gallery and the artists