Celebrating Black Life: A New Exhibition at the Saatchi Gallery
A groundbreaking exhibition has opened today at the Saatchi Gallery in London, showcasing the vibrant and diverse beauty of Black life through photography from African diasporic cultures. Titled ‘As We Rise: Photography from the Black Atlantic’, this exhibition will run until 20 January 2025. Curated by Elliott Ramsey, who is known for his role at Vancouver’s Polygon Gallery, this event marks a significant cultural milestone.
The exhibition is rooted in the Wedge Collection, an extensive archive initiated in 1997 by Dr. Kenneth Montague. This collection aims to explore and document the multifaceted experiences of Black life across the globe. Featuring works from talented Black artists hailing from Canada, the United States, Great Britain, the Caribbean, and the African continent, ‘As We Rise’ offers a comprehensive exploration of how Black artists have portrayed and celebrated their cultures worldwide.
The title of the exhibition is inspired by a phrase often spoken by Montague’s father: “Lifting as we rise.” This philosophy has been a guiding principle for Montague in curating the remarkable Wedge Collection. ‘As We Rise’ embodies this sentiment, presenting Black life through the perspectives of Black photographers, thus creating intimate and consensual portraits that resonate with authenticity.
Dr. Montague expressed his excitement, stating, “I’m honoured to be sharing photographic works from my collection with a UK audience. ‘As We Rise’ at the Saatchi Gallery will be a celebration of global Black culture through time, with images that reflect legacies of community, identity, and power.”
Curator Elliott Ramsey highlighted the rich diversity of the works on display, remarking: “From the Harlem Renaissance of the 1930s, through postcolonial Bamako, to contemporary Toronto, ‘As We Rise’ celebrates the polyphony of Black life – showcasing the nuanced approaches of Black photographers in representing scenes of love, leisure, and resistance.”
The exhibition features an impressive lineup of renowned artists, including:
- Gordon Parks, a legendary figure in civil rights-era photography
- Malick Sidibé, celebrated as one of the most important photographers of post-colonial Africa
- Carrie Mae Weems, recognized as one of the most significant photographers of contemporary art
Through ‘As We Rise’, visitors will embark on a powerful visual journey that not only honors the rich heritage of Black culture but also invites reflection on its ongoing evolution in today’s world.
