A painting of Dushane by Aaron Bevan Bailey
Exhibition

Portrait of a Top Boy

Presented by Netflix

FREE
09 - 13 Sep 2023
12.00 - 18.30
Embankment Galleries

Curated by multi-disciplinary artist Ronan McKenzie and presented by Netflix, this pop-up exhibition commemorates the cultural impact that Top Boy has had on British television, in both its representation of life on the estates of east London, and its support and mentoring of emerging British talent.

The exhibition features newly commissioned paintings by 16 UK based established and emerging Black artists, with each portrait depicting an iconic character from the series - Sully (Kane Robinson), Dushane (Ashley Walters), Jaq (Jasmine Jobson), Stefan (Araloyin Oshunremi), Jamie (Michael Ward), Shelley (Simbiatu Ajikawo / Little Simz), Dris (Shone Romulus) and Modie (David Omoregie / Dave).

Through their individual approaches, each of the artists has explored their personal relationship with a chosen character, the series, and the idea of what it means to be a Top Boy.

The Artists

Joshua Donkor, Brianna Parker, Teoni, Jack Dickson, Tonique Sewell, Gabriel Choto, Tejumola Butler Adenuga, Kione Grandison, Aaron Bevan-Bailey, Annan Affotey, Ken Nwadiogbu, Babajide Olatunji, Olivia Twist, Toby Michael, Natasha Muluswela, Hamed Maiye



Header image: Dushane by Aaron Bevan-Bailey