Michael K Davis

Playing the race card Exhibition 2024

Hastings Museum & Art Gallery, Bohemia Road, Hastings, UK

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
Wishartworks

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

AccessThere 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.

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