New Commission by Caroline Chinakwe unveiled at London Museum Docklands

Drawing on the contemporary lives and experiences of Black Londoners, the new artworks explore what it means to be Black in Britain today. They will go on permanent display in the Museum’s London, Sugar & Slavery gallery as the first major additions to the gallery’s permanent displays since it opened in 2007. 

Chinakwe’s pieces comprise two large scale, 1 x 1 metre portraits that have been digitally painted and collaged. The images are informed by the stories, challenges and experiences of London’s African and Caribbean diaspora, who were interviewed during the creation of the pieces. Both portraits are set against a wallpaper inspired by British textile designer William Morris, to reflect the societal backdrop of a traditional, class-based society in Britain.  

His Lived Experience depicts the struggle of African and Caribbean immigrants to hold onto their cultural identity whilst simultaneously integrating into British society. It delves into themes of conformity, resilience, identity and the quest for cultural authenticity. Each element within the portrait reveals the multi-faceted layers of Black British, African, and Caribbean experiences.  

“Conforming to society can be an expectation for many of us” Chinakwe said. “This can manifest in wearing some type of mask whether subtle or clear, like the flower mask I have depicted in the piece. Sometimes the mask is hard to distinguish from one’s own identity. The question is how much have things really changed today and what type of mask are you wearing now?”

This is Us is a group portrait that celebrates the multiplicity of Black culture and identity. Drawing inspiration from around the world, the vibrant collages feature individuals wearing baseball caps and West African headwear, weaving narratives of empowerment and cultural pride, while touching on the shared challenges of colourism and self-acceptance.  

Commenting on the portrait Chinakwe said: “I use fashion to narrate our stories. The four characters in this piece stand as symbols for the fight for identity. As a group they are unapologetic in who they are and who they choose to be. Through the evolution and unification of styles from America to Africa and the Caribbean, I ask what it means to be Black in Britain today.” 

Caroline Chinakwe is a British-Nigerian mixed media artist who combines cultural heritage with contemporary themes in her work. A self-taught artist, Caroline spent over twenty years in the fashion industry, an experience that inspired her to create more diverse and positive representations of Black culture and style. Her evocative collages blend PopArt, Afrofuturism, and fine art, making use of bold colours, intricate patterns, and a thoughtful mix of textures to discuss both traditional African artistry and modern aesthetics. It offers a visual dialogue between her Nigerian roots and her British upbringing, creating a nuanced exploration of identity, culture, and the African diaspora.  

Chinakwe’s previous works include Colourism, a series exploring discrimination against dark-skinned people in favour of those with lighter skin among people of the same ethnic or racial group, and While I’m On Pause, a collection inspired by Black music culture and style, drawing on artists like Josephine Baker, Grace Jones, Erykah Badu and Prince. Her work has been exhibited at Boxpark Croydon, the Mondrian Hotel, The Good Front Room at The Langham Hotel, and Stork in Mayfair. She is a dedicated advocate for the representation and support of Black artists and is co-founder of Camden Black Creatives (CIC), a collective aimed at supporting Black artists living or working in the borough of Camden.  

Jean-Francois Manicom, Senior Curator at London Museum Docklands, said: “We wanted to use a medium that authentically explores themes around the contemporary Black British experience. And Caroline has done exactly that. Art is a powerful vehicle for feeling, sharing, and healing from traumatic experiences, and for centering voices that have been historically underrepresented. We’ve been excited to work with Caroline as her approach offers a brilliant exploration of the multiplicity of Black culture and the experiences of Londoners today.”

Main Image: Artist Caroline Chinakwe unveils new portraits at London Museum Docklands