BLACK JOY! Up Close and Personal Exhibition

A thought-provoking exhibition paying tribute to Black culture, resistance and happiness with joy as its central theme.

 

Curated by Lorna Hamilton-Brown RCA MBE, our 'BLACK JOY! Up Close and Personal' exhibition showcases the creativity of over 40 talented Black artists from the South East of England.

 

Artists were invited to explore the theme of Black Joy, resulting in a vibrant collection of artworks spanning a range of mediums, from painting and fashion to textiles, sculpture, collage, photography and video.

 

In an era where Blackness remains under siege, the concept of Black Joy serves as both an act of radical (self-)care and a crucial element in the ongoing struggle for equality.

 

“Black people are not a monolith, so we all experience or express Black Joy in different ways. For me, Black Joy is the deliberate act of finding pleasure and happiness in whatever you do despite your situation.” Lorna Hamilton-Brown RCA MBE, curator 

 

The exhibition is complemented by a programme of live events, including performances, workshops, talks and tours. Keep your eyes peeled for our programme announcement!​ 

 

“This exhibition is probably the largest collection of Black artists to exhibit in the UK. Having a body of work that sparks conversations about race and social justice by acclaimed artists empowers change and understanding.” - Claudine Eccleston, Playing the Race Card Founder

 

Selected artworks will be available for purchase at the museum.

 

BLACK JOY! Up Close and Personal – Featured Artists:

Kaia Allen-Bevan, Rahim Amartey, Gabrielle Anderson, Karen Arthur, Julie Ann Atwal, James Bell, Sarah Buller, Claudia Burnett, Josef Cabey, Nacheal Catnott, Hannah Collisson, Takyiwa Danso, Michael Kelvin Davis, Femi Dawkins, Kate Dressekie, Claudine Eccleston & Claudette Eccleston, Mo El Kadey, Fatima Esayli, Joan Glasgow-Ashton, Yemii Haastrup, Berthram Hall, Lorna Hamilton-Brown, Paul Hope, Imhonigie Imoesi, Mary Joak, James Johnson, Yeside Linney, Dorcas Magbadelo, Margaret's Daughter, Michi Masumi, Anita J McKenzie, Anna Maria Nabirye, Venetta Nicole, Rianne Octave, Holly Oluwo, Kwabs Owoahene, Sade Popoola, Euan Roberts, Margaret Scott, Carl Sexton, Noon Sharif Ali Gigir, Gilda Silva, Nalo Solo, Charlotte Stainton and Wishartworks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This exhibition is co-produced and part-funded by Home Live Art with additional funding from Necessity.

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Access

There is flat access throughout the building for wheelchair users and for people with limited mobility. There are passenger lifts and an accessible toilet.

 

The Hastings Museum Art Gallery Website Access Page has full access information including a visual story of the building and a sensory map.

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Press

For press enquiries, please contact Juanita Rosenior at TGRG at juanita@tgrg.co.uk