Up and Coming: ‘Identity’ A Multi-Media Pop-Up Gallery

PRESENTED BY SAASUM // ST.ART

Can someone’s identity be snapped in a second, caught in a moment on camera or with the sweep of a brush? SAASUM sent out a project to artists over the summer asking them to capture ‘Identity’, specifically the identity of those from Africa and the African diaspora. Too often is the African identity ignored, made a blind spot within advertising, art or media. SAASUM and its community of artists reverses this, turning the lens to the gestures, routines and occupations of people from the African continent. And boy, do they succeed.

On October 26th, St Andrews welcomes SAASUM’s Multi-Media Pop-Up gallery, which is to be held at Spoiled Hairdressers on North Street from 7pm to 9pm. Having already previewed just a few of the photographs and artworks and words to be spoken, I can tell you, it is not a show to be missed. Portraits have been lit with a vivaciousness, groups of people caught mid-motion as they dance and run, children in the heart of play, bodies and eyes fleshed out in watercolour. The show is guaranteed to be both beautiful and important as it provides a platform which doesn’t usually exist within St Andrews. If you came last year to SAASUM’s photography exposition you will know this is not an opportunity to miss. To everyone else, step out of St Andrews and its three streets, come and admire the African Identity.