Entangled Pasts: Art, Colonialism, and Change

This major exhibition was a bold and thought-provoking exploration of the legacies of empire, resistance, and colonialism, examining how art shapes historical narratives and inspires change. Entangled Pasts brought together over 100 works, spanning centuries, including masterpieces by J.M.W. Turner, Joshua Reynolds, and contemporary artists such as Sonia Boyce, Frank Bowling, and Yinka Shonibare. Through painting, sculpture, film, and immersive installations, the exhibition invited visitors to reflect on power, representation, and how colonial histories continue to shape the present.

The lighting design played a vital role in guiding the visitor experience, creating a seamless visual dialogue between historical and contemporary works. Intricate details of Lubaina Himid’s life-sized cut-outs were highlighted to enhance their theatrical presence, while Isaac Julien's immersive video installations were lit to preserve their depth and impact. Hew Locke’s striking flotilla of model boats was given a sculptural quality through careful lighting, with shadows adding to the display's drama.

In the grandeur of the Royal Academy's Main Galleries, balancing natural and artificial light preserved the integrity of each artwork while maintaining the exhibition’s atmospheric intensity. The interplay of light and shadow drew visitors into the narratives woven throughout.