Brooklyn born Malik Roberts makes London debut in solo show

Renowned Brooklyn-born artist Malik Roberts makes his highly anticipated London debut with The Double Up, a groundbreaking solo exhibition showcasing new works at Hoxton’s D’Stassi Art. Running from 13th September to 25th October 2024, this six-week show invites viewers into Roberts’ compelling exploration of identity, power, and the act of concealment.

Fresh off the success of his critically acclaimed New York and Los Angeles exhibitions, as well as a sell-out show in Athens, Greece, Roberts brings a fresh perspective to his nuanced examination of black culture and its expressions. With The Double Up, the artist delves into the symbolic significance of the balaclava, an evocative accessory that has permeated both subcultural and mainstream aesthetics. For Roberts, the balaclava serves as a metaphorical canvas, representing both the protection and obscuration of identity. Through his bold, prismatic portraits, Roberts reveals the paradox of what his subjects choose to hide and what they desire to celebrate.

Reflecting on the show, Roberts describes his intentions:“In ‘The Double Up,’ I wanted to explore the more complex layers of identity, representing the societal and personal facades that people wear, both to protect and to obscure. Through these portraits, I hope to challenge the viewer to look beyond the masks, to confront the complexities of identity, and to understand the nuanced ways we present ourselves in a world that often misinterprets and labels us.”

This thematic focus builds on Roberts’ reputation for pushing boundaries. His work examines black identity in a broader societal context while remaining deeply personal, engaging audiences to question and reimagine the layers of human experience.

Roberts’ London debut is also a deeply personal milestone. The artist draws inspiration from the shared histories and cultural ties between African-Caribbean communities in London and New York. He notes:“My connection with London stems from my Caribbean immigrant family—when my family came to America, I had some relatives that went to London instead. I feel like the story I bring will resonate with many people here. Taking my work to London allows me to connect dysphoric black communities across the world.”

This exhibition also marks an evolution in Roberts’ artistic style. Moving beyond the clean lines of earlier works, he introduces free-hand techniques and textured oil stick applications. This approach deepens the narrative complexity of his art, encouraging viewers to speculate on what lies beneath the masks.

The show is a significant milestone for D’Stassi Art, furthering its mission to bring compelling contemporary voices to London’s vibrant art scene. Born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1990, Malik Roberts is a dynamic voice in contemporary art. His works blend fine art and mixed-media techniques to investigate identity, perception, and societal constructs. Drawing from the Cubist tradition, Roberts’ cinematic and prismatic compositions compel audiences to examine the intricacies of black identity and the human condition.

With a career that spans international exhibitions, high-profile collectors, and prestigious commissions, including a presentation to Pope Francis, Roberts continues to shape conversations around art and identity. His work resides in major collections, including those of Lena Waithe, Cynthia Erivo, Adrien Brody, and Slick Woods.

The Double Up is open at D’Stassi Art, Hoxton, from 13th September to 25th October 2024. The exhibition challenges perceptions and invites viewers to engage with the layered narratives of one of contemporary art’s most vital voices.