Entangled Pasts at the Royal Academy

Entangled Pasts delves into colonial legacies with 250 years of art, highlighting Black subjects, challenging historical narratives, and prompting reflection on art’s role in colonialism. Ends this Sunday 28th April.

Visit:: https://www.royalacademy.org.uk/exhibition/entangled-pasts

The Royal Academy’s “Entangled Pasts” exhibition boldly confronts colonial history, spanning 250 years through art that prominently features Black subjects. With innovative curation, it challenges viewers to reconsider historical narratives and overlooked identities within the context of colonialism. Through powerful displays, the exhibition prompts deep reflection on the intersection of art, history, and colonial legacies. The show’s opening room dazzles with 18th-century portraits exclusively depicting Black sitters, setting the tone for a radical exploration of the Royal Academy’s colonial past. Curated to shock and enlighten, the exhibition juxtaposes historical works with contemporary reinterpretations, revealing the pervasive effects of colonialism. From Frank Bowling’s poignant “Middle Passage” to Lubaina Himid’s evocative cutouts, each artwork confronts viewers with the realities of colonial exploitation and resistance. The exhibition’s thematic galleries offer a choreographed journey through different colonial contexts, from the Caribbean to India, challenging stereotypes and revealing hidden histories. Through Isaac Julien’s film and Betye Saar’s installation, the exhibition engages with the legacy of slavery and racism, urging viewers to confront uncomfortable truths. As viewers navigate the exhibition, they are prompted to question who has been omitted from historical narratives and to consider the humanity of those overlooked by history. “Entangled Pasts: Art, Colonialism, and Change” serves as a compelling call to action, inviting audiences to critically engage with the complex legacies of colonialism in art and society.