Creative Careers Academy Insights: Get Up, Stand Up Now

Creative Careers Academy member Di'mond Sharma-Joseph shares her thoughts on our major summer exhibition Get Up, Stand Up Now

Working with theatre production company Fuel I’ve gained insight into the complexities and stimulating nature of executing, and exploring the visions of artists. As a writer and artist myself, it is fascinating to see the variety of ways in which people transform their ideas into presentation-ready works of art; a remarkable example of this is Get Up, Stand Up Now, curated by Zak Ové.

The exhibition is a proud display of over 100 Black artists, celebrating Black creativity, culture, and experience over the last 50 years. Amongst many feats, something that this exhibition does remarkably well is its unapologetic amalgamation of tools, materials and subjects on display, in every corner, of every room, and every corridor.

This approach showcases art in all its forms, from Zak Ové’s own sculptures like Umbilical Progenitor, Lavar Munroe’s exquisite mixed-media work Boys, Steve McQueen’s paint and neon light work Remember me 14 to collections of archival personal belongings of various individuals. The bringing together of these elements provide, both, a thought-provoking experience of art and an emotionally-encapsulating experience.

It was hard, if not impossible, to ignore the presence and vibrancy of the colours that mask every surface as soon as I walked into the doors of the exhibition. This small addition had, very clearly, been carefully curated, extending the feeling of excitement, wonder, and celebration before I had set eyes on the art on the walls.

I had expected a level of timidity from the rooms, this expectation caused particular excitement when I saw the busy nature of the culture reflected in the busyness of what was presented. When a room is so full of life it is easy to be overwhelmed, however what I was, and still am, impressed by is the welcoming nature that this gargantuan presence of works had on me, as well as many others I had spoken to as we wandered rooms. Perhaps this is something to do with my own heritage and feeling connected, but I think, more than that, it is due to the humanity that was on display on micro and macro levels.

There is an honesty to what is displayed, both presenting the struggles and the celebrations of Black life. It is easy, as minority artists, to focus only on the hardships and I think that this is often what is expected. However, what truly impressed me as I walked through the rooms was the triumphant, whole-hearted celebratory nature of the works; even those that presented the struggles simultaneously highlighted strength, empowerment, and pride.

My main takeaway from this exhibition is how necessary it is, and how surprisingly rare it is to see such vibrant, unapologetic exhibitions, in and around London particularly. Get Up, Stand Up Now has made me want to approach life with more passion and more belief in my capabilities. It was refreshing to experience, with further intricacies becoming apparent upon my second visit. I urge you to experience Get Up, Stand Up Now for yourself, as it truly is an exhibition for everybody to feel welcome upon arrival and excited throughout.