New exhibition opens at the Ferens Art Gallery

An exhibition of contemporary figurative art that explores the themes including of race, identity, gender and climate change, through the outstanding works of racially marginalised artists, opens at the Ferens Art Gallery this Friday (18 October).

Seen and Unseen focuses on the work of pioneering artist Nahem Shoa and includes work by his friend and fellow artist Desmond Haughton. For over 35 years Shoa has made identity and the human condition the theme of his artistic expression, pushing to have positive images of Black people represented in exhibitions and gallery collections.

Co-curated by Shoa and the curatorial team at the Ferens the exhibition includes paintings, sculpture and video works from the Ferens’ collection, bringing to our attention untold stories and new interpretations by juxtaposing them with loans of work by important black artists.

Nahem Shoa, artist and co-curator of the exhibition said: “Seen and Unseen is an exciting exhibition of masterpieces, making the old masters look fresh again and the contemporary artists look more classic. It highlights the work of artists who deserve greater recognition, but due to prejudice were ignored, but not anymore. Seen and Unseen celebrates equally all the great art in this exhibition without hierarchy and aims to inspire the next generations of artists.”

Councillor Rob Pritchard, portfolio holder for culture and leisure said: “Seen and Unseen is yet another example of the high and diverse quality of works the Ferens is bringing to the city for 2024. I have no doubt visitors will be drawn to this important exhibition.”

The exhibition is part of the In Living Colour Season at Hull Museums and Gallery which highlights untold stories and celebrates creativity. The season includes three exhibitions and an accompanying public programme of events. Alongside the Seen and Unseen exhibition at the Ferens Art Gallery, there are two exhibitions at the Wilberforce House Museum, Echoes of Our Heritage that explores the rich history of Black music, and Deanio X – To Heal a Butterfly, an artist commission in response to the Wilberforce Institute’s research on the ‘Sea Islands & Jamaica’ enslavement records.

The events programme includes talks, live music, and a fashion show by House of Tuyi. More information can be found at www.hullmuseums.co.uk

Co-curator and artist Nathan Shoa will be giving a talk about the exhibition and focussing on his work on Friday 18 October, 2-3pm. This is a free drop-in event, and is BSL interpreted.

Seen and Unseen is on display at the Ferens Art Gallery until 26 January 2025 and entry is free.