THE NEW BLACK VANGUARD EXHIBITION AT THE SAATCHI GALLERY
Running from the 28th October 2022 until the 22nd January 2023 at the Saatchi Gallery, The New Black Vanguard spotlights Black Portraiture through art and fashion whilst celebrating Black Creators. Curated by American writer and critic Antwaun Sargent and inspired by his book, the exhibition pays homage to Black culture as it is seen in all parts of the world and features the work of various Black Photographers, Stylists, Models, Make Up Artists and Creative Directors.
A carefully curated selection of high-end fashion editorials, campaigns, film and documentaries fill the space against contrasting block coloured walls, directly complimenting the plethora of melanin tones. Considering that exhibitions like this were far and few during my time at Art School, having the privilege to attend this felt like such an honour and cultural achievement whilst signifying progression, advancement and acceptance within the prestigious world of fine art.
The various rooms encapsulate a different theme by showcasing just a handful of Artists in each. The pink entrance room entails Editorial work by Campbell ADDY, Nadine Uewere and Tyler Mitchell followed by the yellow room with Dana Scruggs and Daniel Obasi, leading into the turquoise room with a feature wall encapsulating a plethora of photographers work. We are then lead to a screening room to view clips of 10 mini conceptual moving image pieces created by some of the artists showcased within the exhibition. An extremely relatable topic that was evident throughout the majority of the visuals was hair. Black hair textures, hair styles, braiding and wash day; all paying homage to our crowns that have long proven to be a powerful connector that never fails to bring the black community together.
The exhibition ends with a brown room dedicated to the exhibition’s supporter and partner, Burberry. The exit wall consists of a ceiling to floor print of a powerful Burberry campaign image and the surrounding walls of work by a selection on artists that have used Burberry clothing as a dominant feature within their work. The display consists of a few images by American fashion photographer Micaiah Carter of models dresses head to toe in modern Burberry print.
“Blackness can get pigeon-holed into a one-dimensional viewpoint, but in reality, it is diverse as the galaxies in the universe”
