Quetzalcoatl III by Aubrey Williams

No Colour Bar: Black British Art in Action 1960-1990 has just opened at the Guildhall Art Gallery and is on until Sunday 24th January 2016. Last week I enjoyed a private view before it was open to the public. The exhibition is a celebration of contemporary artists and has an array of amazing and beautiful art.

The exhibition draws on a diversity of art work with modern and abstract paintings, portraits , sculpture. and book shop art installation.  One of my favourite paintings was Quetzalcoatl III by Aubrey Williams (above) with its vibrant and vivid colour scheme. Williams, a Guyanese born painter is best known for his large abstract paintings influenced by indigenous American artwork. 

Bust of Jessica Huntley by Fowokan George Kelly

The exhibition explores cultural heritage and social and political history, taking its name “No Colour Bar” from a banner slogan for the struggle against racism, which has involved the American Civil Rights Movement, anti-apartheid and the ongoing anti-racism struggle in the UK.

The exhibtion is inspired by Guyanese born Jessica and Eric Huntley who came to England in the 1950s and became key supporters of the Caribbean Arists Movement and founded Bogle - L'Ouverture Publications (BLP). A striking, bronze bust of Jessica Huntley is one of the first things you will notice when you enter the gallery by Fowokan George Kelly, a self taught, Jamaican artist.  

Walter Rodney Bookshop installation

The centrepiece of the exhibition is a bookshop installation which recreates "The Bookshop" which, was opened in Ealing, in 1974 by the Huntleys, and which was later renamed after Walter Rodney, Guyanese activist and scholar who was assassinated in 1980. The display draws on material from the Huntley Archives, which is held by the London Metropolitan Archives. The display is interactive and visitors are encouraged to find out more about Jessica and Eric Huntley's lives through photographs, touchscreens and printed materials.

Walter Rodney Bookshop installation

The display, with retro typewritter, telephone and mono cassette radio, is nostalgic, charmingly personal and intimate.  

 Walter Rodney Bookshop installation - wow what a #shelfie

The book shelves contain a wide and wonderful assortment of books, including political writings, geography, biographies and history, as well as novels and children's reading books. Visitors are encouraged to read the books and this space is so cool. This was my favourite part of the exhibition and I could easily spend many happy hours here. It's an original and creative use of space but the experience would benefit with the addition of some seating.

 Notting Hill Carnival - Errol Lloyd

Returning to the paintings, one of the most engaging pieces of art was series of mini images of the Notting Hill Carnival, as it so splendidly captured the mood and vibrancy of the performers. 

UK School Report - Tam Joseph

UK School report explores and challenges racial stereotyping in the educational system of its portrayal of young Black men. 

 How much longer you bastards by Eddie Chambers

The irony of Chambers' work being displayed in the City of London is not lost. Its questioning of businesses involvement with South Africa's apartheid regime in the 1980s (insert simular situations in the 2010s) remains just as powerful today.

Guinean Girl by Uzo Egonu

Egonu is considered one of Africa's greatest modern day painters and this painting is a rare example of his figurative work.  

Kaieteutoo by Frank Bowling

This colourful, abstract painting of a waterfall from Guyana, Bowling's home country. Bowling was the first Black artist to be elected to the Royal Academy of Art. 

Dancing at Reading Town Hall by Paul Dash

Ending this blog with another of my favourites, Dancing in Reading Town Hall, with its beautiful use of colours really captures the mood of the occassion well. Dash has a long standing career as a distinguished artist as well as being a senior lecturer at Goldsmiths, University of London.

I really enjoyed the exhibition, it's very uplifting and inspirational. If you are visiting the Guildhall Art Gallery it's also worth while looking at its other galleries and Roman Ampitheatre. If you've like to know more about this then please check out my blog about the Guildhall Art Gallery rehang.

Practical Information 

No Colour Bar is on until Sunday 24th January 2016

Address:  Guildhall Art Gallery & Roman London's Amphitheatre, Guildhall Yard (off Gresham Street), London, EC2V 5AE​​​

Nearest Tube Stations:  Bank or Moorgate

Opening Hours:  Monday - Saturday 10am - 5pm, Sunday 12 noon - 4pm

Price:   Free

Websites: Guildhall Art Gallery and No Colour Bar

No Colour Bar Events

Black Artists Forum                   Saturday 28 November, 12pm

At Guildhall Art Gallery  Open discussion led by Nigel Allyson Ryan, FRSA. Admission: £5

If you enjoyed this you might like to check out my earlier blogs about the City of London.

If you'd like to explore the City please have a look at my walks portfolio.

The author of this blog is a qualified City of London and City of Westminster Tour Guide who leads guided walks combining world famous landmarks with hidden treasures often missed by the crowds  

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