Above is a painting by Titus Kaphar (2018) entitled Seeing Through Time which mingles the depiction of a Black page in an 18th century painting and a contemporary portrait.

Above: Vanishing Point (Mignard) by Barbara Walker which depicts the black subject in an historical painting, done in graphite, while the rest of the picture is outlined in imprint. Middle: also by Barbara Walker called Marking the Moment, which highlights the presence of the black figure over the rest of the image in a period painting. And on the right is a dramatic painting by Kimathi Donkor who creates narrative paintings reimagining historical female characters from Africa and its diasporas. We see Harriet Tubman en route to Canada.

Above: The Captain and Mate by Lubaina Himid, The Adventuress Club Est. 1922 by Toyin Ojih Odutola and She was Learning to love moments, to love moments for themselves by Amy Sherald.

At the press preview it was very interesting to hear Ekow Eshun talk about the five years he has spent developing and curating this exhibition. He has assembled an impressive selection of leading African diasporic artists mainly working in the UK and USA. It’s high time that art depicting the Black experience is celebrated in a major gallery and the National Portrait Gallery has used its space in an imaginative and accessible way. They’re also making tickets available for just £5 to visitors under the age of 25.

I was very drawn to this wonderfully layered painting by Njideka Akunyili Crosby which uses transfers, colour pencil, collage on paper and acrylic paint.

The Time Is Always Now will be at the National Portrait Gallery until 19th May 2024.