Following a far-reaching open-call in January, fifteen artists have been selected to feature in a unique and timely exhibition called I Matter, curated by Babylon Young Curator Olu Taiwo at Babylon Gallery in Ely.
Formed of new and existing works created by artists from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds and communities, the exhibition responds to the powerful declaration, ‘I Matter’ and its recent complex iterations.
The exhibition will feature work by painters, printmakers, sculptors, digital artists and photographers including; Anthony Shintai, Eddie Saint-Jean, Jaffar Aly, James Chen-Wishart, Jay Morally, Kinnari Saraiya, Manuel Hechavarria, Parham Ghalamdar, Rayhan Miah, Roy Joseph Butler, Hana Sadrai, Suchi Chidambaram, Suman Gujral, Teakster and Thomas Soyemi.
Back in September 2020, Young Curator Olu Taiwo proposed the idea of offering artists, who have felt excluded in any way, a platform to share their art works and stories. He explains: “The ‘I Matter’ exhibition provides a platform to tell their stories of why they matter.
We had a fantastic response to the call-out with over 100 artists getting in touch, however it emphasised the need for more opportunities for artists from ethnic minority backgrounds to have their voices heard. I’m looking to continue to help to facilitate these opportunities after my residency at Babylon ARTS has ended.”
Olu continues: “This exhibition and my time as a Young Curator, has helped to build the beginnings of a community of talented artists, and I’ve made friendships that I know will continue well into the future.”
Due to the large number of artist submissions, Olu has also decided to host an online exhibition of a wider selection of work by the artists who applied. This online exhibition will be featured on the Babylon ARTS’ website which will run alongside the I Matter exhibition from Friday 28th May.
I Matter will launch on Friday 28th May and end on Sunday 13th June. The Babylon Gallery’s opening times have been extended to Monday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm for the duration of the I Matter exhibition. Entry to the Babylon Gallery is free.
I Matter is funded by Arts Council England, in partnership with Wysing Arts Centre, Kettles Yard, G's Fresh and The East of England Co-op.