Review – “Entangled Pasts, 1768–now”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Upon arriving at the Royal Academy of Arts for the “Entangled Pasts, 1768–now” exhibition, visitors are immediately captivated by Tavares Strachan’s “The First Supper” in the courtyard. This mesmerizing installation sets a profound tone for the entire exhibition. Strachan’s work, a bronze table arrayed with fruits and vegetables such as soursop and breadfruit, speaks volumes about colonial impacts and cultural assimilation. These items, familiar from the artist’s upbringing, symbolize the enduring legacies of colonization. The choice of galaxy black, reminiscent of the vastness of space as described by astronauts, and the strategic application of gold leaf, emphasize the richness and depth of these shared stories. Accompanied by the figure of the extinct Tasmanian tiger, the installation poignantly underscores our shared fragility and interconnectedness.
Inside, the exhibition earns its five-star rating, beginning with a room where visitors are greeted by an elevated bust of a black model. Surrounded by mirrors, this display challenges and redefines traditional art hierarchies, symbolizing equality and inclusion in the art world. This juxtaposition sets the tone for the entire exhibition – one of questioning and re-evaluating historical perspectives.
A notable work is the “Portrait of a Man in Red Suit,” an arresting piece that captured my attention with its vibrant aesthetic. More importantly, it conveys a deeper message about the inclusion and representation of black individuals affected by colonialism and enslavement. This artwork exemplifies the Royal Academy’s effort to foreground narratives of equality and visibility across cultures.
Another of my favorites is Yinka Shonibare’s “Woman Moving Up.” This piece features a once-enslaved woman ascending stairs, adorned in a Victorian dress made from African textiles. The textiles, symbolic of global trade and cultural exchange, underscore the complexity of identity. The globe replacing her head, depicting the Great Migration in America, adds a historical layer, symbolizing the aspirations and hopes of African Americans moving North in search of a better life. Shonibare’s work stands as an aspirational metaphor for progress and emancipation.
The curatorial voices behind “Entangled Pasts” add significant depth to the exhibition. Keith Piper reflects on the intertwined nature of our histories, highlighting the interconnectivity of different cultures’ development. Cora Gilroy-Ware brings a personal perspective, discussing ancestral trauma and the impact of these histories on individual and collective consciousness.
Yinka Shonibare emphasizes the importance of diversity in institutions like the Royal Academy and the need for everyone to find relevance and representation within them. Lead curator Dorothy Price explains the exhibition’s context, born out of pivotal moments like the murder of George Floyd and the toppling of the Colston statue. The Royal Academy’s foundation in 1768, a critical year in the history of the transatlantic slave economy and abolition movements, provides a historical backdrop for the exhibition.
“Entangled Pasts, 1768–now” extends beyond these standout pieces, featuring a diverse range of media that enriches the exhibition’s narrative. Audiovisual elements, poetry, and a blend of historical and contemporary artworks create a multifaceted exploration of the themes. This integration of various art forms brings a dynamic and immersive quality to the experience, allowing visitors to engage with the subject matter on multiple sensory levels.
The exhibition is a profound dialogue about our shared history and the diverse narratives that shape our understanding of the world. The artistic expressions within this exhibition not only serve as powerful reminders of hope and resilience but also embody the relentless pursuit of equality and recognition. The Royal Academy of Arts, through this thoughtfully curated exhibition, does more than showcase art; it champions the cause of inclusivity and advocates for the rewriting of historical narratives, reminding us of the power of art to reflect, challenge, and reshape our perceptions of history and culture.