A WORK of art which was nominated for this years Turner Prize has been put on display at Coventry’s Herbert Art Gallery and Museum.
Claudette Johnson’s drawing Doing Lines 1 (Lockdown) Line Journeys is now part of the museum’s Collecting Coventry exhibition.
The artist is known for her figurative work which celebrates the presence and humanity of Black women and was awarded an MBE for her services to art and contribution to society in 2022.
Claudette is a founding member of the BLK Art Group, and emerged in the 1980s as a prominent voice in the Black British Arts Movement.
The museum acquired the artwork in 2020, which is a self-portrait drawn in oil pastel on paper.
Claudette said: “This is part of a series of larger scale ‘warm-up’ drawings – the equivalent of scales practise for a pianist.
“I make them when I have no sitters when I want to work from life, as a way of exploring line, trying to find a new way across a familiar body; when I want to work freely without too much reflection but at the same time with deep concentration.”
A spokesperson for the museum added: “Claudette Johnson is celebrated as one of Britain’s most accomplished figurative artists, known for her striking portrayals of the Black community that convey both depth and humanity.
“We first had the honour of showcasing Johnson’s work back in 1983, during a pioneering exhibition by the BLK Art Group, and it’s incredibly rewarding to now have her work as part of our permanent collection and on display as part of Collecting Coventry.
“Her artistry is something we’ve admired for a long time, and we believe this piece will resonate strongly with our visitors and spark meaningful engagement.”
