WHAT? Black Venus: Reclaiming Black Women in Visual Culture 

WHERE? Somerset House, Terrace & Courtyard Rooms, Strand, London WC2R 1LA

WHEN? Now until 24th September.  Free or pay what you can.  

WHY GO? To upturn assumptions. This bold little exhibition dips in and out of the archives examining the history of Black femininity.  It explores the legacy of how Black women were, and are, represented in culture from the infamous indignity of the Hottentot Venus who was mercilessly trafficked to the liberated freedom of non-binary artists today.  Curated by the gifted Nigerian-British art historian Aindrea Emelife who specialises in contemporary art, and has written an accompanying book, Black Venus: Reclaiming the Gaze, it packs a punch and illustrates visually how old preconceptions have shifted.  From ink drawings and photography past and present, to video and film, it offers much to question and explore.

The original exhibition, first shown in New York last year, has been reworked to include 6 UK based contemporary artists in the final line-up of some 20 artists altogether.

One of the biggest names, Carrie Mae Weems, is also the subject of a major retrospective at The Barbican, not to be missed.

IN THE KNOW Check the accompanying YouTube interviews with exhibiting artists who offer their personal observations on how they, as black artists, are perceived.  The gallery is offering a free networking event for young creatives, aged 18-30, during a late night opening of Black Venus with professionals on Friday 11th August.