The New Black Vanguard Exhibition Is A Celebration Of Black Creativity

Adeline in barrettes, Micaiah Carter, 2018

Following its debut in New York and further exhibitions across the United States, Doha, Sweden, Switzerland and France – The New Black Vanguard: Photography between Art and Fashion is now at the Saatchi Gallery in London.

Featuring the work of 15 young Black photographers across the diaspora, the vibrant exhibition merges art, culture and fashion photography – creatively showcasing the versatility of Blackness.

From portrait photography to test shoots, fashion editorials, landscape photography and short films – displayed across various brightly coloured rooms – The New Black Vanguard serves as a significant reminder that there is no single 'Black experience'.

Dana Scruggs, Nyadhour, Elevated, Death Valley, California, 2019

Each conceptual visual prompts conversation surrounding the ways in which Black bodies and lives are commonly depicted, reframing narratives that are often built on stereotypes.

Photographers featured in The New Black Vanguard include Campbell Addy, Renell Medrano, Stephen Tayo and Nadine Ijewere. The exhibition also features a salon wall of works by several other young Black photographers.

Also featured is New Gazes II, a space displaying works created in partnership with Burberry. Here, a focus is placed on the Black creator in contemporary culture – the photographs and videos exhibit Burberry's signature aesthetic whilst capturing a new generation's notions of identity, beauty and desire.

"This exhibition is an exploration of this generation's Black image makers who are bringing a fresh perspective to photography" notes Antuwaun Sargent, writer and curator of The New Black Vanguard.

"Image by image, they have created a loose global network around their art that powerfully centres identity, community and desire. The artists in this show profoundly reanimate the possibilities of contemporary photography".

Visitors can also view a selection of publications placed in vitrines – including vintage magazine covers and books.