At Brixton Underground station, a new mural titled “Three Women,” created by Turner Prize nominee Claudette Johnson, has just been unveiled. This marks Johnson’s first public artwork, following a series of murals by various artists that have been displayed at the station as part of Transport for London’s (TfL) Art on the Underground initiative, which has been active since 2018. This program aims to reflect the rich history of local murals created in the area during the 1980s.
“I draw inspiration from Picasso’s 1907 painting, Les Demoiselles D’Avignon,” Johnson explained. “I am fascinated by the power that emanates from these postures, stemming from my longstanding interest in women, power, and how we reclaim space in areas where we have been neglected or misrepresented.”
Known for her large-scale drawings of Black women created through various media, Johnson is also recognized as a founding member of the BLK Art Group. “Three Women” is crafted as a triptych and serves as a continuation of themes she explored in her earlier piece, “Trilogy.”
Eleanor Pinfield, Head of Art on the Underground, expressed hopes that this mural “will be enjoyed by millions.” She emphasized, “Claudette Johnson’s bold triptych honors the Black female experience while pushing the boundaries of contemporary muralism at Brixton station. Johnson’s work combines monumental scale with a deep intimacy that invites viewers to connect with her subjects.”
Currently, some of Johnson’s artwork is showcased in The Turner Prize exhibition at Tate Britain, where it stands alongside works by fellow nominees Pio Abad, Jasleen Kaur, and Delaine Le Bas. The winner of the prize will be announced on December 3, 2024, during a ceremony at Tate Britain.
Previous artists featured in the Art on the Underground project at Brixton station include Denzil Forrester, Joy Labinjo, and Njideka Akunyili Crosby. Interested viewers can also catch highlights from BBC Radio London through the Sounds app, and stay updated with the latest from BBC London on social media platforms like Facebook, X, and Instagram. If you have story ideas, you can reach out at [email protected].
