Sculptures celebrating ‘everyday’ Black people on display in London
British sculptor Thomas J. Price’s works, which celebrate everyday Black people, are now on display at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum. Placed throughout the museum’s galleries, Price’s sculptures disrupt the traditional depictions of mythical figures and privileged elites, presenting a refreshing perspective on representation in art.
Price explains that during his time at art school, he found most of the powerful and prestigious works depicted in museums did not include people who looked like him. His sculptures challenge this norm by showcasing fictional characters based on composites of different faces and bodies from Britain’s Black community. This approach critiques the idea of portraiture, emphasizing the value and commonality in each individual.
Among Price’s notable sculptures is “Moments Contained,” a 12-foot bronze statue of a contemporary-looking woman, standing confidently with her hands in her pockets. The artwork rejects the excessive displays of power often seen in traditional statues, focusing instead on intrinsic confidence and self-value.
The art world has been striving for greater diversity, and Price’s work aligns with this movement. Museums and galleries have been reassessing their collections to include more works by women and people of color. Melanie Vandenbrouck, the curator of the V&A exhibit, highlights the importance of directly comparing Price’s sculptures with traditional pieces to understand the impact of representation in the 21st century compared to past centuries.
For Price, the increasing inclusion and rehanging of works in institutions are essential steps in acknowledging the contributions of diverse communities in the United Kingdom. He believes that if statues and monuments are to represent society accurately, they must be more representative of the people who have shaped the nation’s history, such as the Windrush generation and their descendants. Price’s sculptures offer a sense of value, respect, and recognition to the everyday person, emphasizing the importance of diverse voices and narratives in the world of art.
