Tate Britain’s Duveen Galleries are currently hosting a striking new commission by artist Alvaro Barrington, titled “GRACE.” This compelling installation merges painting, sculpture, and sound to explore the pivotal roles of women and Black cultural heritage in shaping Barrington’s life and work. The exhibition stands out not only as an artistic endeavor but also as a deeply personal narrative, paying homage to the influential women in Barrington’s life—his grandmother Frederica, his close friend and sister-figure Samantha, and his mother Emelda.

A Journey Through “GRACE”
As visitors step into the Duveen Galleries, they are met with a suspended corrugated steel roof that transports them into a sensory experience reminiscent of seeking shelter during a tropical rainstorm. This setup echoes Barrington’s childhood memories in Grenada, where the comforting sound of rain on metal was synonymous with refuge. The installation’s ambiance is enriched with a curated soundscape that features selections from NTS radio by Femi Adeyemi, along with new musical compositions by notable artists Kelman Duran, Andrew Hale, Devonte Hynes, and Olukemi Lijadu.

Artistic and Cultural Synthesis
Beneath this makeshift roof, the setting includes rattan and plastic seating interwoven with braided elements and adorned with plastic quilts that display embroidered postcards and artworks by Teresa Farrell. This area serves as a collective space for reflection and nostalgia. Advancing through the installation, visitors encounter a magnificent four-meter aluminum sculpture of a dancing figure, created in collaboration with Barrington’s friend, Samantha. This sculpture is dramatically positioned atop a large steel drum and is decked out in ‘Pretty Mas’ jewelry by L’ENCHANTEUR, a costume by Jawara Alleyne, and nails by Mica Hendricks.

Celebrating Carnival and Heritage
The exhibit further immerses viewers in a vibrant display of ‘traditional Mas’ characters and carnival participants, depicted in paintings set against archway canvases that illustrate a journey from sunrise to sunset. This colorful array captures the essence of ‘J’ouvert,’ a Caribbean tradition marked by revelers covering each other in paint, mud, and oil to dance at dawn, celebrating their heritage and reclaiming public spaces.

“GRACE” at Tate Britain not only showcases Alvaro Barrington’s unique artistic vision but also serves as a powerful celebration of cultural identity and the transformative influence of maternal figures in his life. The exhibition, running through the season, promises to be a profound cultural experience, drawing art lovers and cultural enthusiasts to one of London’s most prestigious galleries to engage with Barrington’s homage to his roots and inspirations.