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2023-09-03
Written by Sofia Ramirez
This public art exhibition delves into the complexities of British identity, inviting viewers to reflect on their sense of belonging and cultural heritage. The show features a diverse range of artworks that explore themes of migration, nationality, and community.
In an era where identity politics have become increasingly prevalent, a new question resonates louder than ever before: No But Where Are You Really From? This thought-provoking inquiry is at the forefront of Artichoke's latest UK-wide public art exhibition, 'No But Where Are You Really From?', curated by Bakul Patki. The show brings together 11 remarkable artworks from diverse artists, each responding to this fundamental question in personal and political ways.
Among the talented artists featured in the exhibition are Larry Achiampong and Reena Kallat, who are pushing the boundaries of art and identity. Achiampong's work is a poignant exploration of his own experiences as a Ghanaian-British artist, navigating between two worlds that often seem to be at odds with each other. His use of multimedia installation and performance art creates an immersive experience that transports viewers into a world of cultural fusion and hybridity.
Reena Kallat's contribution to the exhibition takes a different approach, yet equally powerful. Her artwork is a stunning example of how personal experiences can be transformed into public art, speaking to universal themes of identity, belonging, and humanity. Through her thought-provoking sculptures, Kallat invites viewers to confront their own assumptions about identity and challenge the notion that our stories are fixed or absolute.
The exhibition 'No But Where Are You Really From?' is not just a showcase of individual artworks; it's a powerful statement about the collective power of public art. By bringing together artists from diverse backgrounds, Patki has created an inclusive space that celebrates the complexities and nuances of identity in all its forms.
As we navigate our increasingly interconnected world, this exhibition serves as a timely reminder that our identities are not fixed or static but are constantly evolving, influenced by our surroundings, experiences, and relationships. The 'No But Where Are You Really From?' exhibition is an invitation to engage with these questions, to challenge our assumptions about ourselves and others, and to find common ground in our shared humanity.
The exhibition's UK-wide reach means that it will be visible to millions of people across the country, sparking conversations about identity that may not have been possible otherwise. By showcasing artworks from artists who are pushing the boundaries of what we think about ourselves and others, 'No But Where Are You Really From?' has the potential to become a catalyst for national conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Public art has long been a powerful medium for self-expression and social commentary. By placing these artworks in public spaces, Patki is harnessing their power to inspire, educate, and challenge our assumptions about identity. The 'No But Where Are You Really From?' exhibition demonstrates that art can be both deeply personal and profoundly political, speaking to the fundamental human questions that we all face.
In a world where identity politics have become increasingly complex, this exhibition offers a refreshing respite from the noise of social media and politics. By celebrating the diversity of our communities, 'No But Where Are You Really From?' encourages us to look beyond our differences and find common ground in our shared humanity.
As we navigate the complexities of identity in all its forms, 'No But Where Are You Really From?' offers a powerful reminder that art has the power to inspire, educate, and challenge. This UK-wide public art exhibition is an invitation to engage with fundamental questions about ourselves and others, speaking to universal themes of humanity, belonging, and connection.
Join the conversation on social media using #NBWARYFR, and let's explore this poignant question together, challenging our assumptions about identity and celebrating the diversity that makes us who we are.