S.M.I.L.E-ing Boys Experience

Heart warming exhibition at Woolwich Works which is the culmination of a project by artist Kay Rufai, which aims to challenge negative narratives and stereotypes associated with black boys.

I had noticed this show in a couple of other places recently as it is travelling around London but hadn’t had time to engage with it properly. However it is now in a venue near me and in a much larger format. Here it not only has the outside displays, which do look good in this historic environment, but also larger ones inside which much more information about the project.

The main focus of the exhibition were some lovely big photo portraits of young black boys smiling with the idea of dispelling negative perceptions however these came at the end of a series of creative workshops with Rufai, exploring a range of topics connected to agency, culture, identity, mental health and society. This display gave more opportunity to show off the work involved with recordings of the boys and some of their artwork and writing.

I think it is still travelling around London so keep your eyes open for it. It’s well worth stopping at looking at it properly, but if you don’t have time just enjoy the happy faces.

Closes 30 October 2022

Review

Guardian


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