A Great Day in Brixton

A photoshoot of Black British artists

on 26th October, Black Cultural Archives hosted a historic group photoshoot of notable Black British artists in Britain.

Inspired by ‘A Great Day in Harlem’, the iconic photograph that pictured 57 Jazz luminaries of the day, taken by freelance photographer Art Kane for Esquire magazine on August 12, 1958.

The photoshoot was to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the British black arts movement, which began on 28th October 1982 with the first national Black art convention, started by the Wolverhampton Young Black Artists (also known as Blk Art Group).

Artists, both established and emerging, were invited to the event to capture a snapshoot of Briton’s Black art movement. Notable artists included Charlie Phillips, Keith Piper, Marlene Smith and Claudette Johnson.

Over 60 artists arrived for the photoshoot. Of the event, BCA Interim Managing Director, Lisa Anderson, said:

“I thought it was important to make sure that each individual’s face, their individual personhood, was documented. And I couldn’t think of a better way to do that other than by taking a picture that captures a moment in time that people can reference for the future.”

The final photograph will be available as a limited edition print at Black Cultural Archives later this year.

For Press enquiries, please contact marketing@bcaheritage.org.uk

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