Claridge’s ArtSpace has opened Like Paradise, a dynamic group exhibition curated by the renowned writer Ekow Eshun, bringing together artists of colour exploring natural landscapes.
Like Paradise focuses on figures of colour within scenes of nature. Historically, people of colour have been excluded from narratives about the countryside, yet these artists conjure the natural world as a site of hope, renewal, and liberation. A place of freedom.
The exhibition includes multidisciplinary work from painting and mixed media to photography, film, and ceramics (with pieces created specifically for this exhibition).
Like Paradise brings together an impressive roster of artists from across generations and diverse cultural backgrounds.
I’m excited to present such a rich group of artists in this innovative context outside of a traditional museum or gallery space. Claridge’s ArtSpace has been a supportive creative partner and seeing the works here is such a thrilling way to open up audiences to artistic and cultural conversations that are so timely right now.
Ekow Eshun, Exhibition Curator,
The exhibition which runs in parallel with Frieze London features work from Stacey Gillian Abe, Dawit Adnew, Tizta Berhanu, Shannon Bono, Kimathi Donkor, Miranda Forrester, Ladi Kwali, Wole Lagunju, Jade Montserrat, Sola Olulode, Tyler Mitchell, David Uzochukwu, Sharon Walters, Milan Young, Hurvin Anderson, Frank Bowling, Paul Dash, Osman Yousefzada and Richard Maguire.
LIKE PARADISE, curated by Ekow Eshun, 5th October – 5th December 2023 Claridge’s ArtSpace
About
Ekow Eshun, born on May 27, 1968, is a notable British figure known for his groundbreaking contributions to culture in the United Kingdom. His impressive career spans across various domains, making him a prominent name in the creative landscape.
Eshun made history by becoming the first Black editor of a major UK magazine when he took the helm at Arena Magazine in 1997. He continued to push boundaries, later becoming the first Black director of a major arts institution, the Institute of Contemporary Arts in London.
Renowned as a “cultural polymath” according to The Guardian, Ekow Eshun has been a central figure in British creative culture for decades. His extensive portfolio includes writing books, hosting TV and radio documentaries, curating exhibitions, and moderating high-profile lectures.
In July 2022, Eshun curated the highly acclaimed “In the Black Fantastic” exhibition at London’s Hayward Gallery, a groundbreaking showcase of visionary Black artists exploring themes of myth, science fiction, and Afrofuturism. The Observer described it as “Spectacular from first to last,” while The Evening Standard declared it to be an exceptional show, saying, “There is unlikely to be a better show this year.”
Additionally, Ekow Eshun holds a pivotal role as the Chairman of the Fourth Plinth Commissioning Group in Trafalgar Square, where he oversees one of the world’s most significant public arts programs.
