AN exhibition presenting a “vivid portrayal of black culture”, with a focus on hip hop, soul and jazz, has opened at Thornton’s South Square Gallery.
Black in Colour is the debut solo exhibition by artist Alex Anaughe, whose work explores themes of racial identity, cultural heritage and the black experience in contemporary society. Blending music, cinematography and photojournalism, her artwork weaves a rich tapestry of black cultural references, offering gallery visitors an opportunity to engage with and reflect on the broader social narratives.
Alex who lives in Thornton, is of Greek and Nigerian descent. Her work is heavily influenced by hip hop, soul, and jazz, which she translates into striking paintings in bold colours. Creating predominantly featureless portraits, she invites us to connect with the 'vibe' of each painting and the cultural origins and essence of these musical genres.
The exhibition includes paintings of hip-hop acts OutKast and Kanye West and evocative scenes from films such as Get Out and Boyz n the Hood.
Alex's South Square exhibition is funded by a £1,000 award from the Joan Day Painting Bursary. Established in 2006, the grant scheme was created in memory of West Yorkshire painter Joan Day, for emerging artists working in paint.
The bursary is a vital support for many artists, providing them with resources to create and exhibit their work. It has played a significant role in South Square’s exhibition programme and in giving a platform to new artists like Alex.
The selection panel for this year’s bursary included Nancy Steadman from Unit 9 Gallery at South Square, artist Razwan Al Huq and Patrick Whitehead, owner of Apothecary Gallery. The panel recognised Alex Anaughe's vision and the compelling way she uses paint to explore complex cultural themes.
Housed in a Grade II listed building dating back to 1832, South Square Centre is a vibrant arts hub in Thornton village.
Originally a cluster of 19th Century mill-workers’ cottages, it was saved from demolition in 1982 and renovated as an arts and heritage centre. Over the past 40 years, South Square - one of the region's last surviving examples of a U-shaped building with courtyard - has grown into a thriving arts centre, with regular exhibitions, classes and live music events.
Committed to providing opportunities for emerging artists, the centre is a sustainable enterprise, featuring workshop rooms, artists’ studios, a local history archive, a fine art framer and a vegetarian cafe, Plenty at the Square. At its heart lies a celebrated art programme attracting and nurturing talent from across the region.
Black in Colour, running at South Square Gallery until October 27, marks a significant milestone in Alex’s career and underscores the centre’s role in fostering a vibrant, diverse artistic community.
* Visit southsquarecentre.co.uk
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