Self-definition. Creative expression. Cultural celebration. This October, pay homage to the visionaries at the vanguard of The Black Arts Movement. Discover the creatives at the helm of art and design today. Walk through utopias and bustling cityscapes and celebrate the persistence of creativity. For Black History Month and beyond, learn, live and draw inspiration from these must-see exhibitions by Black artists. From The Missing Thread at Somerset House to Rhea Dillion at the Tate.

Somerset House plays host to one of the most talked about exhibitions of the season. Exploring the stories of Black British fashion, it spans from the ‘70s to the present day, charting the vast influence of Black creativity on British culture.

Somerset House, 21st September-7th January

Exploring the Black woman’s body through sculpture, Alterable Terrain is a new landmark exhibition by Rhea Dillon. Via minimalist designs that symbolise body parts, her sculptures examine identity through a lens of colonial history and Black feminist theory.

Tate Britain, Now-1st Janaury

African culture and history are explored in this collection of work by artists from the African diaspora. Themes of spirituality, identity and urbanism provide glimpses into how photography can explore the past and the future. Ft. pieces by Atong Atem, Wura-Natasha Oguni, Mario Macilau and more. 

Tate Modern, Now-14th January

Dedicated to spotlighting unknown stories, this photography celebrates Peckham, the people who live there, and the beauty of the places we call home. Inspired by Mark Sealy’s book Decolonizing the Camera: Photography in Racial Time, the exhibit challenges the racialised history of photography.

Peckham Levels 1st-31st October \

The works of 13 Nigerian and British-Nigerian artists celebrate the creative links between Lagos and Peckham. Known as ‘Little Lagos’, Peckham is home to one of the largest Nigerian diaspora communities in the UK. This group exhibition explores the culture, history, communities and art that link the two places. 

South London Gallery, 5th July-29th October

In his first solo installation, Sierra Leonian artist, poet and filmmaker Julainknxx takes over the Barbican’s Curve gallery. Using his personal history to deconstruct perspectives on African art, history and culture, the immersive exhibition explores identity and resistance. 

The Curve, Barbican Centre, 14th September-11th February

Two portraits, three centuries apart. This exhibition compares portraits of two Jamaican scholars, Burke and Williams, exploring how the self is defined against the backdrop of colonialism.

Victoria & Albert Museum, Now-31st December

Celebrating 75 years since the arrival of HMT Empire Windrush through a short film, stories and photographs. This exhibition was created by the V&A Windrush 75 Co-Production Group: a collective of young people of Caribbean heritage. Delve into the stories of the Windrush Generation and explore the waves they caused in British culture and society.

 Victoria & Albert Museum, 18th October-31st December

Sonia Boyce OBE’s award-winning installation combines video, collage, music and sculpture. Centring on the experimentation of five Black female musicians, Boyce uses immersive artworks like tessellating wallpapers and reflective surfaces to immerse the audience in this story. 
Leeds Art Gallery, 26th May-5th November

The Skylight Gallery celebrates of the legendary photographer Leroy Cooper in this exhibition. Exploring community and resistance, Liverpool Through The Lens is a touching tribute to Cooper’s extraordinary work. Over his 40-year career in photography, Cooper’s art examined themes including racism, community and culture. His images are a love letter to Liverpool and the Liverpool 8 community.

Skylight Gallery, 1st April - 31st Mach 2024\

HOME, SATURDAY 19TH-31ST OCTOBER