The Royal Academy of Arts in London will host a major exhibition of American artist Simone Leigh's work in late 2027. This event is expected to be her largest showcase to date, featuring a significant collection of her bronze and ceramic sculptures, along with film and large-scale installations. The exhibition will also include new monumental pieces created specifically for this occasion.
Leigh, known for her focus on the Black female experience, will bring her distinctive artistic vision to the prestigious London institution. This follows her historic representation of the United States at the 2022 Venice Biennale, where she was the first Black woman to receive this honor.
Key Takeaways
- Simone Leigh's largest exhibition to date will open at the Royal Academy of Arts in London in late 2027.
- The show will feature bronze and ceramic sculptures, film, and new monumental installations.
- Leigh was the first Black woman to represent the U.S. at the Venice Biennale in 2022.
- A central theme of the exhibition will explore art created under fascist regimes and current challenges to institutions.
- The exhibition is curated by Tarini Malik, who also organized John Akomfrah's show at the 2024 Venice Biennale.
Exhibition Details and Curatorial Vision
The Royal Academy has confirmed that the exhibition will be a comprehensive presentation of Leigh's artistic practice. Visitors can expect to see a range of mediums, including intricate ceramic works and robust bronze sculptures. The integration of film and large-scale installations will provide an immersive experience, highlighting the artist's multifaceted approach.
Tarini Malik will curate the upcoming London show. Malik has a notable background in contemporary art, having recently organized the exhibition of Ghanaian-British artist John Akomfrah at the British Pavilion during the 2024 Venice Biennale. Her involvement suggests a thoughtful and impactful presentation of Leigh’s oeuvre.
Artist Milestones
- 2018: Awarded the Hugo Boss Prize by the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum.
- 2019: Featured in the Whitney Biennial; created the 16-foot-tall sculpture Brick House for the High Line in Manhattan.
- 2022: Represented the United States at the Venice Biennale; won the Golden Lion for Brick House.
Exploring Themes of Architecture and Fascism
Simone Leigh has shared insights into the conceptual framework for her forthcoming London exhibition. According to an interview with The Guardian, a primary theme will be the relationship between architecture and art produced under fascist regimes. Leigh expressed deep concerns about current political climates, stating,
"I’ve been thinking about American history a lot in the development of these works because we’re now living under full-on fascism here."This perspective will likely inform the tone and content of the new works she creates for the Royal Academy.
The artist also highlighted broader challenges faced by cultural institutions. She noted increasing pressures on artistic freedom and the cancellation of projects. Leigh specifically mentioned instances where commissions have been stalled or terminated due to anti-Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) reasons.
"All institutions are under attack. I know of artists who have signed contracts to do commissions and these commissions have been either stalled or cancelled for anti-DEI reasons. So it’s really happening… I’m more than concerned, it’s getting a little scary," she explained.
Background on DEI Initiatives
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs aim to promote fair treatment and equal opportunity for all individuals, particularly those from underrepresented groups, within organizations and institutions. These initiatives often involve efforts to increase representation, foster inclusive environments, and address systemic biases. In January, former US President Donald Trump issued an executive order titled “Ending radical and wasteful government DEI programs and preferencing,” which sought to end DEI initiatives across federal institutions. This order has sparked debate and concern within various sectors, including the arts.
Simone Leigh's Artistic Practice and Influences
Born in Chicago, Simone Leigh is recognized for her diverse artistic output. Her work spans sculpture, video, performance art, and social projects. A central focus of her art is the exploration of race, history, and gender, with a particular emphasis on the Black female experience. Her pieces often challenge conventional narratives and highlight marginalized voices.
Leigh employs a range of materials, including ceramics, raffia, and bronze. These choices are often deliberate, connecting to historical and cultural contexts. Her artistic inspirations are broad, drawing from ancient African and African-American objects. She also incorporates elements from ethnography, the history of architecture, and feminist criticism. Narratives of political resistance further inform her creative process, adding layers of meaning to her powerful works.
Notable Works and Recognition
Leigh's career has seen significant acclaim and several high-profile projects. In 2018, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum awarded her the prestigious Hugo Boss Prize. The following year, she was included in the 2019 Whitney Biennial, a key event in contemporary American art.
One of her most iconic works is Brick House (2018-19), a colossal, 16-foot-tall bust of a Black woman. This sculpture was initially installed on the High Line in Manhattan, where it garnered widespread attention. Brick House later played a significant role in her success at the 2022 Venice Biennale, where it was featured in the main exhibition, The Milk of Dreams, and earned her the coveted Golden Lion award. In a 2019 interview, Leigh discussed her artistic methodology and other important pieces, such as Free People’s Medical Clinic (2014) and Head with Cobalt (2018).
Anticipation for the Royal Academy Show
The 2027 exhibition at the Royal Academy represents a major milestone for Simone Leigh. It offers a unique opportunity for a broad international audience to engage with her work on an unprecedented scale. The Royal Academy is one of the oldest and most respected art institutions in the United Kingdom, making this collaboration particularly significant.
This exhibition is expected to draw substantial interest, given Leigh's growing international profile and the timely nature of her artistic themes. Her ability to merge historical references with contemporary social commentary resonates deeply with today's cultural landscape. The Royal Academy show will reinforce her position as a leading voice in contemporary art, providing a platform for critical dialogue and powerful visual expression.