Political blackness in photography during the 1970s and 1980s in Britain emerged as a significant cultural response to racial tensions and social injustices. This period saw a rising awareness of multiculturalism and the challenges faced by ethnic communities, particularly in the ongoing struggles against institutional and overt racism. Photographers like Roshini Kempadoo, Marc Boothe, Joy Gregory and Al-An deSouza used their art to challenge stereotypes, asserting Black identities and experiences that were often marginalised or misrepresented in mainstream media.
The Black British photography movement aimed to document and celebrate the richness of Black life while critiquing the socio-political environment. The term "political blackness" referred not just to race but also encompassed shared experiences of oppression among various ethnic groups, including Caribbean, African, and South Asian communities. Through their work, photographers sought to reclaim narratives and create visual representations that highlighted solidarity and resistance against racial injustice.
This event is organised by Hyundai Tate Research Centre: Transnational in partnership with Hyundai Motor.
