This survey exhibition by artist Adrian Piper was the first opportunity to see a significant body of the artist’s work in Europe. The exhibition traced her development from early explorations of self in relation to time and space, to her politically orientated performances, videos and photo-text pieces. The politics of Piper’s work draws on a life-long investigation of her own mixed black and white heritage that give her explorations of racial stereotypes their critical edge. Exhibiting in a British gallery in the 1990s, Piper’s art took on a particular resonance. Debates around issues of race and representation had been developing in the UK since the 1970s, yet in 1991, there was little room for political art that would address the individual rather than institutions and systems. Piper does not regard racism as simply a political issue. Her art goes right to the heart of the matter: personal responsibility.   

This exhibition was produced in collaboration with Cornerhouse, Manchester, UK.