The Time Is Always Now: A revolutionary look into Black history
The National Portrait Gallery at Leicester Square is currently hosting an extraordinary art exhibition titled “The Time is Always Now.” This captivating display of talent celebrates the incredible works of contemporary artists hailing from the African diaspora. Among the featured artists are the immensely talented Michael Armitage, Lubaina Himid, Kerry James Marshall, Toyin Ojih Odutola, and Amy Sherald. Through their remarkable artwork, these artists shed light on the diverse experiences and narratives within Black life. The exhibition serves as a powerful platform to showcase the richness and complexity of their artistic expressions. Visitors can expect to be immersed in thought-provoking pieces that challenge stereotypes and offer fresh perspectives on identity, history, and cultural heritage.Their artwork not only serves to illuminate the richness and complexity of Black life, but also challenges the dominant narratives in Western art history. By exploring the presence and absence of the Black figure in these works, they shed light on the story of representation and its implications. Furthermore, their attention to the social, psychological, and cultural contexts in which these artworks were produced allows for a deeper understanding of the significance and impact of Black art throughout history.
The exhibition showcases several paintings, including “Still You Bloom in this Land of No Gardens” by Njideka Akunyili Crosby, “Standing Figure with African Masks” by Claudette Johnson, which explores the deconstruction of Picasso’s use of West African imagery as inspiration for his art. There is also “Yvonne and James” by Jordan Casteel, which depicts Casteel’s life in Harlem, New York. Another notable piece is “Christmas Eve,” a colorful and artistic work by Chris Ofill that incorporates references to the Bible, hip-hop music, cave paintings, and elements of Trinidad folklore. Lastly, there is “The Peter Paintings” series by Hurvin Anderson, which focuses on the Caribbean diaspora and explores dual themes of hostility and welcome. Personally, one of my favorites is “Christmas Eve” due to its vibrant composition and diverse cultural influences.
The aim of the exhibition is to present the concept of race as a combination of scientific imagination and lived experience. It showcases how artists portray the Black body with intricacy and complexity within a societal framework where Western imagery often distorts or erases its presence. These talented artists strive to capture the essence of Blackness, shifting their focus from external objectification to subjective and psychological representations of the Black figure.
