A Nation Speaks

Tate Modern celebrates the birth of Black Power in its latest blockbuster exhibition. Emma Levine takes a look at the artists behind it, who include Barkley Hendricks, Betye Saar and Wadsworth Jarrell

- Emma Levine

There could hardly have been a more groundbreaking era in American history than the Civil Rights movement, and the birth of Black Power. And, of course, society relies on art to reflect and ultimately shape movements of such impact. In Soul of a Nation: Art in the Age of Black Power at Tate Modern (from 12 Jul) we see how this era played such an important role among African-American artists between 1963 and 1983. More than 150 works are on show, with vibrant paintings, prints, photographs and sculptures – many of which are displayed in the UK for the first time.