Entangled Pasts, 1768–now
Art, Colonialism and Change
3 February - 28 April 2024
Main Galleries | Burlington House
Tues–Sun: 10am–6pm
Fri: 10am–9pm
Tickets £22
concessions available
Friends of the RA go free
J.M.W. Turner and Ellen Gallagher. Joshua Reynolds and Yinka Shonibare. John Singleton Copley and Hew Locke. Past and present collide in one powerful exhibition.
This spring, we bring together over 100 major contemporary and historical works as part of a conversation about art and its role in shaping narratives of empire, enslavement, resistance, abolition and colonialism – and how it may help set a course for the future.
Artworks by leading contemporary British artists of the African, Caribbean and South Asian diasporas, including Sonia Boyce, Frank Bowling and Mohini Chandra will be on display alongside works by artists from the past 250 years including Joshua Reynolds, J.M.W.Turner and John Singleton Copley – creating connections across time which explore questions of power, representation and history.
Experience a powerful exploration of art from 1768 to now. Featuring a room of life-sized cut-out painted figures by Lubaina Himid, an immersive video installation by Isaac Julien, a giant flotilla of model boats by Hew Locke, and a major new sculpture in the Courtyard by Tavares Strachan. Plus, powerful paintings, photographs, sculptures, drawings and prints by El Anatsui, Barbara Walker, Kerry James Marshall, Kara Walker, Shahzia Sikander, John Akomfrah and Betye Saar.
Informed by our ongoing research of the RA and its colonial past, this exhibition engages around 50 artists connected to the RA to explore themes of migration, exchange, artistic traditions, identity and belonging.
This exhibition contains themes of slavery and racism. Some works include historical racial language and violent imagery. Please contact us for more information.
Download our large print guide.
#EntangledPasts
Reviews
“The most radical show in the RA’s history…Enthralling”
The Observer
“Moments that feel unexpectedly magnificent”
The i
“Illuminating and compelling, from the moment you step in”
Evening Standard
“An exhibition proving that art is power”
Time Out
“A triumphant and surprising showcase of black art”
Financial Times
Supporters
Supported by
With additional support from
Brooke Brown Barzun and Matthew Barzun
The David Ellis Marlow Trust
With additional support from
ARTscapades
Image gallery
Armada (detail), 2017–19
Portrait of a Man, probably Francis Barber, c. 1770
Naming the Money, 2004
Watson and the Shark, 1778
Whale Falls, 2017
no world, from An Unpeopled Land in Uncharted Waters, 2010
Watch the trailer
See works by artists including Tavares Strachan, Lubaina Himid, Frank Bowling, Hew Locke, alongside historical works, and discover what artists are saying about Entangled Pasts, 1768–now.
Start here:
Entangled Pasts, 1768–now
Find out more about the artists and artworks featured in this powerful exhibition.
Related articles
Video: Interview with a Paintbrush
3 April 2024
Video: a closer look at 'The First Supper'
26 March 2024
Video: take a look inside 'Entangled Pasts, 1768–now'
19 February 2024
Listen to the
free audio guide
Hear from the curators and some of the artists featured in the exhibition.
The audio guide plays on your smartphone through your own headphones or your phone’s speakers.
From the RA Shop
Take the exhibition home with you.
Shop personally recommended books, art materials, accessories and a new RA Edition print by Mohini Chandra.
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