In Photo: BLK Brit Exhibition, Community & culture

Last Thursday (31st July), BLK Brit launched a buzz for the latest edition of our digital issue, Success Is Collective in East London’s intimate underground Old Street Gallery. Think of upcoming Black talents in a square white room; the ambience is inevitably electric. The exhibition was a celebration of community.  

The Editorial Manager of BLK Brit carefully selected talents to showcase their work at the  launch, once again setting the standard with DJ Jokz running the set into the evening.  Conversations flow as bodies move to the beat; welcome drinks are offered at the bar upon arrival. As I entered the space, I was greeted by my welcoming BLK Brit team and  black frames hanging high on the walls. The space was transformed into a time machine that took us on a journey through cultural richness. As I took in the  atmosphere, I couldn’t help but feel part of a uniquely unified crowd, strangers  becoming friends and admiring the striking visuals displayed around the room. The  team did a wonderful job of creating a space for connection and sharing, a reminder of  what community truly stands for. Each artist understood the brief and integrated  seamlessly without a spoken word: Michael Sabuni, Cordelia Dacocodia, Film Adbi,  Tobi Sobowale and Kreative Kelis warmed up the experience with their photography collections. 

From contrasting colours and draped garments of the late 90s, the exhibition provided a  much-desired rhythm and afro-centric music that propelled the guests around the  room. A much-appreciated bonus to the venue was the BLK Brit-themed goodies  provided, tucked beside the entrance and holding the element of community that is  often lost. Every person could build connections and enjoy to the fullest with new  people; if this isn’t a community, the meaning has disappeared. 

Uplifting artists, musicians and photographers, BLK Brit is one to look out for.