Join us at the Fitzwilliam Museum for an intimate evening with acclaimed British-Nigerian artist Joy Labinjo, whose vivid, large-scale paintings explore identity, belonging, and the layered experiences of the African diaspora in contemporary Britain.
As part of the Rise Up exhibition, Labinjo will speak about the personal and political narratives that drive her practice and the techniques behind her striking visual style—marked by bold colour palettes, flattened perspectives, and scenes drawn from both archival materials and everyday life.
This special event will feature a closer look at An Eighteenth-Century Family (2022), a powerful and thought-provoking work recently acquired for the museum’s growing contemporary art collection. In this piece, Labinjo reimagines Black presence in 18th-century Britain, challenging traditional historical narratives and expanding the visual vocabulary of British art.
Drawing inspiration from her Nigerian heritage, Labinjo’s work is deeply rooted in family photographs, colonial histories, and the ongoing realities of race, representation, and cultural memory. Her practice invites viewers to reconsider whose stories are told—and how.
Whether you’re a fan of contemporary art, interested in identity and heritage, or simply curious about the creative process, this is a rare opportunity to hear directly from one of the UK’s most compelling artistic voices.
About the Artist
Joy Labinjo studied at Newcastle University and completed her MA in Fine Art at Oxford University’s Ruskin School of Art. Her work has been exhibited internationally and is held in several public and private collections. She is represented by Tiwani Contemporary.
Image credit: Joy Labinjo. Courtesy of the artist and Tiwani Contemporary. Photo © Jessica Flavin.
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