The Workstation in Sheffield has opened a powerful new exhibition ‘Give Over’ which features the work of local artists who ‘respond creatively to racist media reporting.’

Opus Independents commissioned three artists Sarah Lasoye, Nasha Cash, and Wemmy Ogunyanki to create an artistic collection of poetry, photography and illustration. 

In regards to one of her pieces named ‘The Brownest Eye’, Wemmy Ogunyanki said: “Reading the newspapers from early August in response to the racist riots, it was infuriating how newspapers seemed to absolve themselves of responsibility… as if they haven’t spent decades planting the seeds of the racist, xenophobic, and islamophobic mess we saw.” 

She explained that the riots which took place in August, actually caused her to change the direction of her art. 

“I wanted lovingly explicit stories of immigrants, refugees and people of colour, but then the racist riots came. 

“As everyone began cancelling meet ups and catch- ups to avoid racist violence, anonymity became the root of this project, to prioritise protection over pride.

”That’s why these portraits are of five women who chose anonymity in their own way.”

The exhibition features a sign outside warning people that the exhibition contains ‘upsetting language regarding racism and the mistreatment of Black and brown people’.

However, it also says that it is an exhibition of ‘love, solidarity, and connection’. 

A key message throughout the art is pushing for the liberation of Palestine, Sudan and other areas across the Global South. 

In a joint statement, the artists wrote that they want to ‘utilise art as a form of resistance, liberation, and communication’.

They also said they aim to ‘apply abolitionist frameworks when examining racist and white supremacist narratives in journalism’.

The exhibition will run at the Workstation in the Showroom Cinema until the 12th November.

For more information go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/give-over-exhibition-tickets-1021622930687?aff=oddtdtcreator