The Walker Art Gallery opened its doors to the ‘Conversations’ exhibition on the 19th October, showcasing a collection of art from Black British women and non-binary artists. The exhibition is open to all visitors until 9th March 2025.
For these artists, the exhibition is not just about displaying work, its about normalising the representation of different identities that have long been under represented within art galleries in the United Kingdom.
Every single art piece has a meaning behind it, whether it be something that the viewer can relate to or a deeper sentiment that forces the viewer to reflect on the hidden message.
One of the pieces that captured my interest the most is “Serenity” by Sharon Walters, a self portrait, showing the artist in a moment of rest.
“The work calls to mind the long-established tradition of paintings displaying women at rest, often nude and eroticised, and designed for a male audience.”
“Walter’s papercut reclaims the genre, presenting themselves in a genuine moment of repose and vulnerability, their blanket pulled up around their shoulders.”
Another standout piece is “Two Faced Boot” by Joy Yamusangie, combining acrylic paint and oil bars on canvas. The painting is part of a series made by the artist following their gender confirmation surgery.
“Yamusangie creates fictional worlds and characters in their paintings, which indirectly explore aspects of their personal life and experience.”
“The boots each feature slightly different illustrations that reflect different aspects of the artist’s identity.
The left boot depicts a woman, with long hair and a skirt, reflecting how the artist was perceived through their childhood. The right boot shows a mermaid, which Yamusangie uses as a symbol of their gender fluidity.”
You don’t have to be an art lover to visit ‘Conversations’, if you’re looking for something different to do in Liverpool why not head down to the Walker Art Gallery for an experience that is bound to have a lasting impact.
Entry is free, and the gallery is open every day from 10am to 5pm.
To see more of the amazing pieces by these talented artists, head to https://vm.tiktok.com/ZGdRLnxEA/.
Image credit: Courtesy of Bernice Mulenga, Sharon Walters, HackelBury Fine Art, Joy Yamusangie