Unit London’s Current Exhibition Explores Fair Identity Representation
On show until November 14 at Unit London, an exhibition entitled The Medium is the Message is spotlighting emerging artists on a mission to support fair identity representation
On view from 2 October to 14 November 2020, Unit London’s ‘The Medium is the Message’ exhibition explores ideas of pigment over pigmentation, showcasing an identity free of stigma. The title is derived from a quote by Marshall McLuhan, the Canadian philosopher known for the ‘media theory’ which explores the internet and its impact on society.
Curated by Azu Nwagbogu, founder and director of non-profit organisation African Artists’ Foundation (AAF) and creator of Art Base Africa in collaboration with Wunika Mukan and Jana Terblanche, the exhibition has united artists who collectively represent a society that stigmatises the Black identity while simultaneously celebrating its cultural contributions.
“The idea for the exhibition was to bring together painters and to explore what the internet, social networks and high-speed communication could provide to pass on the message,” says Nwagbogu.
Eniwaye Oluwaseyi. A Branch and Two, 2020. Oil and acrylic on canvas. 100 x 80 cm.
The featured artworks address traditional stereotypes and politicised images of Black societies seen in visual culture by spotlighting tradition, ritual and familial relationships. The Medium is the Message is home to works by 18 emerging artists including Ludovic Nkoth, Sungi Mlengeya, Manyaku Mashilo, Tiffany Alfonseca, Zandile Tshabalala, John Madu, Eniwaye Oluwaseyi, Wonder Buhle, Collins Obijiaku, Peter Ojingirin, Dawn Okoro and Nozi Schommers, to name just some.
Wonder Buhle Mbambo. Residual. 2020. Acrylic. 100 x 100 cm.
“The art on view unveils many facets of Black existence that encompass play, solitude, contemplation and a range of human experiences with approaches that do not kowtow to exoticism, but reflect the communities from which they were birthed,” expresses Nwagbogu. “It is Blackness without burden.”
The Medium is the Message is on view at Unit London until 14 November 2020
Images courtesy of United London Gallery and the respective artists
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