The Time is Always Now: Artists Reframe the Black Figure

The exhibition, curated by writer Ekow Eshun, showcases the work of contemporary artists from the African diaspora and highlights the use of figures to illuminate the richness and complexity of Black life.

As well as surveying the presence of the Black figure in Western art history, The Time is Always Now examines its absence – and the story of representation told through these works, as well as the social, psychological and cultural contexts in which they were produced.

Displayed across multiple spaces at The Box, the exhibition features the work of leading artists including Njideka Akunyili Crosby, 2017 Turner Prize nominee Hurvin Anderson, Michael Armitage, Jordan Casteel, Noah Davis, Godfried Donkor, Kimathi Donkor, Denzil Forrester, 2017 Turner Prize winner Lubaina Himid, Claudette Johnson, Titus Kaphar, Kerry James Marshall, Wangechi Mutu, Toyin Ojih Odutola, 1998 Turner Prize winner Chris Ofili, Jennifer Packer, Nathaniel Mary Quinn, Thomas J Price, Amy Sherald, Lorna Simpson, Henry Taylor and 2023 Turner Prize nominee Barbara Walker.

Left: Kampala Suburb by Michael Armitage, 2014. Photo © White Cube (Prudence Cuming Associates Ltd). © Michael Armitage.
Right: Untitled (Painter) by Kerry James Marshall, 2009. Photo Nathan Keay. © MCA Chicago.