The Bomb Factory Art Foundation’s exhibition “One Nation Under a Groove” celebrates over 40 years of cultural fusion in Britain, showcasing diverse artists from various backgrounds. The exhibition highlights the importance of music and cultural mixing in British art while advocating for inclusive art spaces. It runs from 5 to 31 October 2023.
The Bomb Factory Art Foundation, located on Marylebone Road in London, presents a new exhibition titled “One Nation Under a Groove”, celebrating the longstanding grassroots cultural fusion in Britain. Mark Hudson explores how the exhibition highlights the diverse influences of artists from various cultural backgrounds, showcasing how this hybridisation has been a part of British culture for over 40 years. The exhibition features artists from Jamaican, Pakistani, African-American, and British backgrounds, marking a significant shift in the representation of Black contemporary art and music. Curator Pallas Citroen emphasises the common thread of cultural mixing and collaboration, pushing back against the segregation often seen within the art world. The show also acknowledges the pivotal role of music in artistic expression, exploring the impact of reggae, punk, and other genres on British popular culture. Citroen, who founded The Bomb Factory ten years ago, believes in the importance of accessible art spaces for fostering creativity, especially with the current challenges facing art education. The exhibition runs from 5 October to 31 October 2023.
The Bomb Factory Art Foundation is an arts charity that supports artist studios and exhibition spaces, originating from a need for more inclusive art representation in Britain. Cultural fusion has been an integral part of British identity for decades, yet it often goes under-recognised, especially in formal art discourse. This exhibition seeks to address that gap and celebrate the diversity of artistic expression that emerges from cross-cultural influences, especially in a country known for its multicultural heritage.
The “One Nation Under a Groove” exhibition at The Bomb Factory highlights the historical and ongoing impact of cultural fusion in Britain. It showcases the contributions of artists from diverse backgrounds, promoting a narrative of inclusion rather than segregation within the art community. This celebration of cultural hybridity is essential for a richer understanding of British culture as it evolves.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk