The self-expression of black photographers within the industry has been brought to the table through The New Black Vanguard. This exhibition explores the relationship between photographers, style, fashion, history, and culture. Antwaun Sargent curated an experience to give audiences the opportunity to view the world of art through the eyes of black creatives.

 

Working with black photographers, Sargent fuses the art of photography with different genres to create a story of the unrepresented. The images displayed, portray a vibrant celebration of life and black culture throughout the diaspora. Each photographer presents their art with their own style and signature, leading a more open-minded view on what it means to be a black photographer in the world today.

 

The exhibition includes worldwide photographers from places such as London, New York, Saint-Aubin, and Ekiti State. A real-world replica of the book – the gallery welcomed the audience with colour. Walls painted different hues of blue, bright red and yellow, created the perfect canvas to tell their story. Image makers - Arielle Bobb-Willis, Tyler Mitchell, Stephen Tayo and Micaiah Carter, as well as many others, defined their identity and frame of mind through their collections.

 

The contrasting environment and photography encouraged audiences to take the time to truly comprehend how the art being presented to them is an account of what it means to have a creative mind. The work is presentation of not only the photographers vision, but the work of stylists, models, hair and make up artists, as well as a whole production team. In contrast, some pieces are created with only one person, in real time showing the art in authenticity.

 

Both Burberry and the Saatchi Museum have sponsored this exhibit, which would encourage their typical audience, that may not be interested or well versed in the world of black art, to expand their horizons. Diversity within the world of fashion and photography means giving a platform to creatives not just in front of the camera, but behind it too. Giving credit to all parties involved, expands their recognition and familiarity to wider spectators, therefore slowly removing the barrier that has been placed on people with different ethnic backgrounds within the creative industries.

 

The contemporary art sits with magazines, articles and film that create context for events that served as catalysts for revolutionary moments. Curating an environment that shows the differences of the black experience, emphasises the proclamation that the black experience is not a monolith, but we are all tied together through our blackness.

 

An exhibition that signifies under acknowledged talent, The New Black Vanguard, is a breath of fresh air to both lovers of art and fashion. Visiting the exhibit will give you an new found appreciation for identity and culture of others, whilst being able to resonate and value your own. With such a large scale of arts to admire, the exhibition serves as an incredible source of inspiration and creative fuel. Whilst always being busy with a consistent audience, it is easy to get lost with the beauty and messages of the art.