The Barbican’s free exhibition, 'Uprising in the Wake', chronicles London’s Black activism from 1897 to 2020.
- 'Uprising in the Wake' at the Barbican chronicles Black activism from 1897 to 2020
- Free exhibition features photography, speeches, and interactive elements for active participation
- Includes works by Phil Lewis, David Hoffman, and voices like John Boyega and Mia Mottley
- Open access to a library with texts by David Olusoga and Afua Hirsch
The Barbican's latest offering, 'Uprising in the Wake', is a free exhibition that places London's Black activism in sharp relief. It opens with the founding of the African Association in 1897 and moves through to the fervour of the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests. Drawing its title from Christina Sharpe’s influential work, 'In the Wake', the exhibition underscores London as a pivotal site of resistance and activism.
Photography plays a central role here. Phil Lewis's arresting images of the 2020 protests capture the intensity and urgency of the moment, while the works of David Hoffman and Vron Ware provide a broader historical context. Yet, it's not just visual. The exhibition resonates with the powerful voices of Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, poet Linton Kwesi Johnson, and actor John Boyega, each adding depth with speeches, poetry, and song.
A is the screening of 'Progress' (1968)
by Etienne Joseph, Ada Cotton, and Jeffrey Lennon. This visual and sonic exploration poses searching questions about what 'progress' means for people of African heritage. It's a reminder that activism is as much about reflection as it is about action.
Visitors are invited to participate actively. A collective 'Uprising' soundtrack welcomes contributions of songs that resonate personally, while the 'What Next?' wall invites reflections on the future of the liberation struggle. These interactive elements ensure the exhibition is not merely observed but experienced and contributed to.
The exhibition also includes a small library of influential texts by authors like David Olusoga, Afua Hirsch, and Lenny Henry, offering visitors an opportunity to delve deeper into the narratives that have shaped Black activism. This initiative follows the Barbican’s earlier Pan-African season, 'Project A Black Planet', continuing the conversation around Black resistance and creativity.
Curator Karena Johnson describes this collection as a chance to 'reflect on the legacies of Black uprisings in London'. It’s a space for contemplation, learning, and dialogue. Importantly, the exhibition is free and unticketed, making it accessible to all who wish to engage with this vital history.
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