You can find thirty two boroughs in London and in each one you can find little quant towns and villages that have been stitched into the fabric that forms the great tapestry known as London.
I call it a tapestry as great ones are usually woven by a handful of different people; all weaving in their own style and character and London is a place where many different minds have come together.
In the borough of Southwark you can find Dulwich village, a place where postman Pat would feel right at home. It's quant, full of charm and feels a world away from Trafalgar Square. Visually - expect to see bright red pillar boxes, hanging baskets of flowers and pristine picket fenced homes. Education is heavily linked to the history of Dulwich and standing out like a well-dressed groom is Dulwich college .
This terracotta palace, hugged by topiary lined paths is quite the site and has occupied the ground here since 1619. I passed the college last week on the P4 bus and got off one stop later - I had arrived at Dulwich Picture Gallery. This gallery is one of my favourites in London and its where you can find masterpieces by the likes of Canaletto, Rembrandt and Gainsborough. But on this occasion I was there to visit their 'Soulscapes' exhibition, which is on until the 2nd June.
Soulscapes
'A contemporary retelling of landscape by artists from the African Diaspora'
The exhibition highlights the work of 30 imaginative artists and it runs through 4 themes - belonging, memory. joy and transformation. Below are some of my favourite pieces from the exhibition.
This circular dreamy scene was painted by Alberta Whittle and is one of three pieces you can find in the exhibition. Her work explores the trauma of the transatlantic slave trade and looks at the impact on land and memory.
Waves, reeds, and bubbles seem to rush through and over the figure dressed in white. Strong emotion can be felt in every inch of this painting and the tassels that frame the bottom part make this piece all the more tangible.
Alberta Whittle
2023, acrylic and raffia on canvas
Kimathis Donkor is known to paint relaxed figures positioned in peaceful environments and I found myself staring at this one for quite some time. There is a softness found within this piece, which is aided by the pastel palette and the dainty flowers dancing in the grass. The figures look calm and it's as if we have stumbled upon a pause in their conversation. I find this work quite meditative.
Kimathi Donkar
Idyll of Abar and Piye
2020
Oil and acrylic on canvas
This painting screams joy and has been produced by Kimathi Mafafo. You can almost hear the brightly painted foliage explode with positivity and wonder. I want to step into this world and it appears the woman emerging from the wall of white muslin wants to do the same. You can imagine how soft the muslin would feel in comparison to the rubbery neon coloured leaves, it's a sensory feast.
Kimathi Mafafo
Unforeseen Journey of Self-Discovery
2020, hand and machine embroidered fabric
A good time to see it would be Friday 31st of May, as they are hosting a free event alongside the exhibition. See below -
Soulscapes Late
Friday, 31 May 2024 - free admission (alongside your exhibition ticket)
Catch the Soulscapes Late with music from Tony Njoku, urban foraging with Earthchild Remedies, DJ sets, creative workshops, a pop-up bar and much more.
Dulwich Picture Gallery
Gallery Road
London
SE21 7AD
Feel free to comment and let me know your thoughts on the exhibition.