An ambitious group exhibition at the Walker Art Gallery opens this weekend, bringing together the work of nearly fifty phenomenal Black women and non-binary artists who are significantly shaping Britain’s art scene today. Coinciding with Black History Month, the celebratory exhibition focuses on very recent works – all made in the last ten years – by artists at different stages of their career. Many of the works are on loan directly from the artists themselves.

Some of the major names featured range from Anthea Hamilton, Alberta Whittle and Lubaina Himid, to Maud Sulter and Claudette Johnson. There’s also a strong contingent of younger, London-based painters, including Joy Labinjo, Michaela Yearwood-Dan, Sahara Longe, Rachel Jones and Sola Oludade. We also can’t wait to see works by Rene Matic – who recently presented lightboxes at Frieze – and Joy Yamusangie, who creates vivid characters and colours in drawing, painting and printmaking.

“While the exhibition acknowledges the impact and importance of their work, we want to focus on the vital conversations that contemporary artists are having with each other and with audiences right now.” The curator, Liverpool-based artist Sumuyya Khader says. “Through joyful, timely and thought-provoking pieces, they are responding to our current cultural climate – demonstrating how art can provide an avenue for interaction, exploration and learning.” The exhibition is part of a wider research project at the Walker Art Gallery to acquire more works by Black women and non binary artists, currently underrepresented in the institution’s collection.