WHAT?  The Time is Always Now: Artists Reframe the Black Figure 

WHERE?  National Portrait Gallery, St. Martins Place, London WC2H OHE

WHEN?  Now until 19th May 

WHY GO?  For an exhilarating journey.  There have been several exhibitions of late focusing on black artists but none as visionary as this.  It highlights the work of 22 figurative artists from the African diaspora and has been creatively curated by the knowledgeable cultural writer and former director of the ICA, Ekow Eshun.  

Visitors are encouraged to tune into his learned opinions to glean more about the multifaceted artists represented to appreciate their complex stories.

Featuring names who have had UK visibility recently like Lubaina Himid (showing currently in Bath) and Claudette Johnson who has just exhibited at The Courtauld Gallery, it’s even more stimulating to connect with newer names and view their work through their eyes.

Some paintings are joyful, others sad, namely those of American artist Noah Davis.  He was a major talent who died all too soon at 32 in 2015.  He has portrayed stirring images of the historic 1921 Tulsa race massacre and leaves behind a powerful legacy.  Davis founded the non-for-profit Underground Museum in Los Angeles with his wife in 2012. 

Surveying the myriad complexities of Black life, as seen from the perspective of black artists, this exhibition offers much to contemplate, for as the curator states, “opportunity and access has not always been the same for everyone”. 

IN THE KNOW  Explore the numerous exhibition related workshops, talks and happenings on offer, from creating portraits in ballpoint pen with artist Habib Hajallie to participating in a pop-up dominoes tournament!  The full program can be viewed online.