A review of Unit London’s highly anticipated exhibition featuring a talented group of emerging artists

Earlier this month, I took a trip to Unit London to check out their latest exhibition The Medium is the Message. Curated by the Founder & Director of the African Artists’ Foundation, Azu Nwagbogu, the exhibition shifts our focus away from narrative and examines how black identity is conveyed solely through medium. With an exciting roster of emerging artists, The Medium is the Message gives us a fresh take on identity by virtue of artistic expression. 

The collective use of medium is experimental and confident, as we see an abundance of distinct textures, layers and colours. From Ngozi Schommers’ use of perforated paper to Emma Odumade’s use of photo collage, these artists apply unconventional techniques to traditional materials, in order to create a body of work that is refreshingly innovative. I’ve now seen this exhibition twice and might go back again because these works are INSANELY good 🔥. No two artists use medium in the same way. 

In a time of political and racial discord, Unit London provides a unique platform for black artists to showcase their craft, without the expectation of a tragic narrative. These artists capture blackness within a wide range of settings, choosing to portray the seemingly mundane aspects of human existence. We observe elements of ritual, tradition and also personal relationships, as subjects are afforded the luxury of existing beyond the realm of the Western gaze. In this instance, audiences experience depictions of blackness that are jovial and contemplative.

The Medium is the Message is elemental, refusing to concern itself with representation, and choosing to embrace the tangible. Together, these 18 artists bring something new and exciting to the table, drawing on individual life experiences to create works that demonstrate their technique and artistry. 

Collins Obijiaku’s portraits are incredibly detailed, using only oil and charcoal on paper. The contours and brush strokes come together to create striking paintings that celebrate identity. Whereas Sungi Mlengeya’s monochromatic portraits play with the idea of minimalism and negative space. The absence of colour further emphasises the central focus of female empowerment. Additionally, Talia Ramkilawan’s works are both humorous and introspective, challenging racial stereotypes. Her use of wool and cloth allow her to create intimate artworks that centre around her personal experience as a South Asian woman. 

Collectively, these artworks bear testament to the fact that ‘black’ art is far from monolithic, it’s multifaceted and pushes boundaries. Audiences are encouraged to reexamine their preconceived notions of black identity and explore more nuanced portrayals of self. If it’s detail you’re after, here you can trace the tiny flakes of gold leaf, bask in the rich textures of tapestries, admire the use of sand on canvas and enjoy the soft quality of confetti. This is medium in abundance. 

Art can often be a tool for liberation, and an exhibition that specifically explores praxis is pivotal. We witness the recontextualisation of black identity, unbothered by exotic tropes. Azu Nwagbogu perfectly executes a brilliant concept, one that hopefully marks the beginning of a new chapter for galleries, both public and commercial, that choose to exhibit the works of artists of colour.

All in all, one of the best things about this exhibition has to be its accessibility. First and foremost, it’s free; but more importantly, you don’t need a degree in art history to connect with the works in front of you. The Medium is the Message presents an avant-garde series of works that give impetus to new ideas and conversations surrounding black identity. You really don’t want to miss this one, grab your mask and a friend and check it out today!

The Medium is the Message is on at Unit London until November 14th.