Exhibiting the New Black Vanguard

A fusion of contemporary art and fashion photography by cutting-edge international Black imagemakers is on display in Saatchi Gallery. Dominique Nok talks with Antwaun Sargent, the writer and curator of the book and exhibition The New Black Vanguard: Photography between Art and Fashion

- Dominique Nok

In the heart of Chelsea on the first floor of Saatchi Gallery, the New York-based writer and art-critic Antwaun Sargent has carefully curated an exciting exhibition showcasing the works of a generation of skilled and talented Black image-makers. He stylishly and unapologetically introduces 15 growing talents such as Quil Lemons, Tyler Mitchell, Arielle Bobb-Willis, Campbell Addy, Micaiah Carter, and Nadine Ijewere alongside added contributions of Black British photographers in a non-conventional way. Instead of displaying the photographs in a traditional white cube he stimulates the visitors’ visual senses with an explosion of bold and lush coloured gallery walls complementing the equally vibrant portraits and conceptual images. In this thrilling exhibition the young Black contemporary photographers offer a different, inspiring, and fresh gaze presenting and framing the Black body as a universal signifier for beauty and identity through fashion and culture. We asked them about their thoughts about the exhibition, and for industry tips. Joining the conversation are Campbell Addy and Mahaneela, two British artists and exhibitors in the show.

AP: Why do you believe this exhibition is significant?