It started on the 12th of June and runs until the 15th of September 2019, hosted by the historic Somerset House “Get Up, Stand Up Now”, a celebration of the immense impact and influence of generations of black creative pioneers for the past 50 years.
Curated by acclaimed artist Zak Ové, the exhibition is inspired by the legacy of his father, Trinidadian Horace Ové, whose work was fundamental during the liberation movements of the black community in the UK, from the post-war era to the present day. Furthermore, Horace Ové, aged 80, holds the Guinness world record for being the first black British filmmaker to direct a feature film, “Pressure” (1976), in which he documents the altercations of racism in an unjust social system. (Main image: VICTOR EKPUK, THE PHILOSOPHER (2018) Powder coated steel, SHRINE TO WISDOM (2019) Mixed media installation. Get Up, Stand Up Now © Peter Macdiarmid)
Zak Ové has selected over 100 artists who played significant roles in shaping the black liberation movements, what is now known as the Windrush generation, which lead to the diverse cultural landscape of now in the UK. Historic artworks and new commissions connect the creative, the personal and the political, urging us to contemplate the British reality and make our own contribution.
With a landmark exhibition showcasing art, film, photography, music, literature, design and fashion, this is the first time that this distinguished group are represented together. Featuring: Anthea Hamilton, Armet Francis, Black Audio Film Collective, Bradford Young, Carrie Mae Weems, Chris Ofili, David Hammons, Dennis Bovell, Derrick Adams, Ebony G Patterson, Gaika, Glenn Ligon, Grace Wales Bonner, Hank Willis Thomas, Helen Cammock, Horace Ové, Jenn Nkiru, Linton Kwesi Johnson, Lubaina Himid, Marlon James, Martine Rose, Mowalola Ogunlesi, Nari Ward, Peter Doig, Ronan McKenzie, Sanford Biggers, Sonia Boyce, Steve McQueen, Yinka Shonibare, Young Fathers, with especially-commissioned soundtrack by Jillionarie of Major Lazer.
Book now your tickets here!!
KEY INFORMATION
Where: West Wing Galleries, Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 1LA
Dates: 12 JUN 19 – 15 SEP 19
Opening Hours: Sat – Tues, 10.00 – 18.00. Wed – Fri, 11.00 – 20.00, except for 11-21 July and 8-21 August, when daily opening hours are 10.00 – 18.00.
Tickets: £12.50 / £9.50 concessions / Free for under 12s.
*100 £5 tickets will be released for every Monday and Wednesday throughout the exhibition, which will be made available to book online for the following week.
Social media: #GetUpStandUpNow
Other events
WADADLI Days and Nights will transform the iconic courtyard of Somerset House into an old-school sound system block party, filling it with the unique voices, incredible food and irresistible sounds of Black Britain.
Andi Oliver presents a two-day pop-up of her celebrated WADADLI Kitchen, serving up the authentic taste of the Caribbean with flavour, colour and spice from across the islands. Expect wonderful grilled meat, fish and vegan delicacies including scotch bonnet salt fries, salt fish fritters, Wadadli BBQ chicken, tamarind glazed tofu and exciting creations such as her chocolate curry goat rotis.
Somerset House will be presenting a special weekend (22 – 23 June) in celebration of the new national Windrush Day with “Generation Get Up!”. African and Caribbean street food stalls will be placed at Somerset House’s beautiful courtyard, and everybody will be welcome to assist for free to interactive events, talks and exclusive film screenings. For further information, click here.
Somerset House will be also hosting, from 12th of June to 8th of September 2019, “Kaleidoscope: Immigration and Modern Britain”, a free photography exhibition that explores Britain’s relationship with its immigrants, or descendent of immigrants. Co-curated by writer Ekow Eshun and with Darrell Vydelingum as Creative Director, the exhibition forms a celebration of immigration in everyday life. For further information, click here.
