Lakwena Maciver British, b. 1986
Overview
Photo credit: Danika Magdalena
Lakwena Maciver creates painted prayers and meditations which respond to and re-appropriate elements of popular culture. Exploring the role of the artist as mythmaker, with their use of acid-bright colour and bold typographic text, her paintings act as a means of decolonisation, subtly subverting prevailing mythologies. Her approach is instinctive and autodidactic, producing visceral, rhythmic and immersive panel paintings, iconic murals and installations.
Challenging both the external and the internalised voice of mass media, Lakwena has created works in the public realm internationally, from installations at Tate Britain, Somerset House, Facebook and the Southbank Centre in London, to a juvenile detention centre in Arkansas, a monastery in Vienna, and the Bowery Wall in New York City. Lakwena's 1400 sqm installation Back in the Air: a Meditation on Higher Ground was the the inaugural installation at the Artist's Garden, London
Works
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This is My Mantra - Duveen Galleries, Tate Britain, 2016 -
Just Passing Through - Downtown, Los Angeles, 2018
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Together We Stand - Seven Sisters, UK (Commissioned by Tottenham Arts Now), 2018
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Queen of the Air - Cricklewood Station, UK (Commissioned by Tate), 2019
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You’ve got the love, 2020
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'i'll Bring You Flowers', Basketball Courts; Pine Bluff, Arkansas, 2020
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Aerial Basketball Painting; Move in Power, Wild Flowers Will Grow (Amharic 2), 2021
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Installation view: Back in the Air; A Meditation on Higher Ground , 2021-2022
News
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LAKWENA MACIVER
Geist: Lakwena on home and paradise 19 November 2025Phrases of hope and positivity articulated in bold colours and splayed across billboards and banners; the powerful and immediate visual language of London-based artist, Lakwena....Read more -
LAKWENA MACIVER
Marie Curie: In the Frame 19 November 2025In conversation with Bakul Patki, Lakwena Maciver reflects on finding inspiration in the everyday, how motherhood has shaped her creative journey, and her new collaboration...Read more -
LAKWENA MACIVER
Lakwena’s joyful art wraps an electrical substation in London – Creative Review – Megan Williams 20 January 2023LINK TO ARTICLE London-based artist Lakwena Maciver has developed a design for an energy facility in Brent Cross Town in her signature uplifting style. At...Read more -
LAKWENA MACIVER
Kaleidoscopic substation in London "celebrates the spirit of the local community" – dezeen – Tom Ravenscroft 19 January 2023LINK TO ARTICLE UK architecture studio IF–DO and artist Lakwena have wrapped an electrical substation in Brent Cross, London , in an artwork informed by...Read more -
LAKWENA MACIVER
Lakwena Maciver’s Murals Offer a Blueprint for a Better World – Anothermag – Connor Garel 5 December 2022LINK TO ARTICLE The artist’s new exhibition at Yorkshire Sculpture Park considers questions of power and ownership, colonialism and free speech. Here, in her own...Read more -
LAKWENA MACIVER
A Green and Pleasant Land (HA-HA) review. laughing across social divides – The Guardian – Hannah Clugston 15 November 2022LINK TO ARTICLE In the contemplative halls of the art world, inviting laughter in response to carefully created paintings is risky, but this is exactly...Read more -
LAKWENA MACIVER
Artist Lakwena Maciver Digs Below the Surface of Our Green and Pleasant Land – Esquire – Miranda Collinge 12 November 2022LINK TO ARTICLE It was in 2021 that the British-Ugandan artist Lakwena Maciver was asked to put together a solo show at Yorkshire Sculpture Park,...Read more -
LAKWENA MACIVER
MINI RECHARGED X LAKWENA: A CELEBRATION OF CULTURE. – MINI 9 August 2022LINK TO ARTICLE Colourful, bold and very, very loud. London-based artist Lakwena Maciver has transformed a classic Mini into a work of art full of...Read more -
LAKWENA MACIVER
Time Out’s art director on orchestrating an illustrated love letter to London for its last print issue – It's Nice That – Liz Gorny 24 June 2022LINK TO ARTICLE “My God, the amount of emailing”: art director Bryan Mayes talks us through the highs, lows, and “sheer amount of commissioning” that...Read more -
LAKWENA MACIVER – HASSAN HAJJAJ
Time Out London comes to 'happy, natural end' in print – Press Gazette – Bron Maher 21 June 2022LINK TO ARTICLE Time Out distributes its last London print copies on Thursday. The final edition leads on a “London Rising” theme and features a...Read more -
LAKWENA MACIVER
Lakwena Maciver’s ‘The Jump Paintings’ Captures the Beauty of the Game by Reimagining Basketball Courts – SLAM – Sammy Gunnell 17 June 2022LINK TO ARTICLE Jump Paintings Hastings Contemporary 18 June – 25 September 2022 LINK TO EXHIBITION Basketball tells stories. Some are of joy and triumph,...Read more -
LAKWENA MACIVER
7 Artists to Watch – and Invest in – This Year. From NFTs to fabric sculptures, these are the art movers and shakers to put on your radar. – Travel+Leisure – Dobrina Zhekova 2 April 2022LINK TO ARTICLE Collecting art is more than a hobby. It's also has potential as a long-term investment and is a way to show your...Read more -
LAKWENA MACIVER
Art review: Jump Paintings and Back in the Air by Lakwena – Church Times – Jonathan Evens 11 February 2022LINK TO ARTICLE Jump Paintings; Part 2 8 – 28 February 2022 LINK TO EXHIBITION In 2020, as a muralist much in demand, Lakwena Maciver...Read more -
LAKWENA MACIVER
My Art Diary And Other Thoughts February 2022 – ArtLystRevd – Jonathan Evens 9 February 2022LINK TO ARTICLE Jump Paintings; Part 2 8 – 28 February 2022 LINK TO EXHIBITION Living through the pandemic and re-reading an article from 2003...Read more -
LAKWENA MACIVER
Spin the Ball – Cent Magazine Catarina – Figuiredo Soares 4 February 2022LINK TO ARTICLE Jump Paintings; Part 1 Vigo Gallery 19 January – 5 February 2022 LINK TO EXHIBITION Spinning the world through basketball to deliver...Read more -
LAKWENA MACIVER
Lakwena Maciver interview: I like to think my work will bring hope to people – Studio International – David Trigg 28 January 2022LINK TO ARTICLE Jump Paintings; Part 1 Vigo Gallery 19 January – 5 February 2022 LINK TO EXHIBITION The London-based artist discusses painting colourful works...Read more -
LAKWENA MACIVER
Lakwena Macivers paintings celebrate Black joy on the basketball court. Jump Portraits is a vibrant ode to the beauty, majesty, and divine inspiration of the sports most iconic players – DAZED – Emily Dinsdale 27 January 2022LINK TO ARTICLE You may have already encountered Lakwena Maciver’s “Afrofuturistic portals to utopia” across sites in London, Paris, Munich, Los Angeles, Miami, and many...Read more -
LAKWENA MACIVER
Why do artists ignore sport? It's time for changeOur critic blows the whistle on this cultural failing – The Sunday Times – Waldemar Januszczak 23 January 2022LINK TO ARTICLE Jump Paintings; Part 1 Vigo Gallery 19 January – 5 February 2022 LINK TO EXHIBITION Sport. The final frontier. At least it...Read more -
LAKWENA MACIVER
The Sky isn't the Limit: Artist Lakwena Maciver's Jump Paintings are an expression of Black Joy – Twin Factory – Gabriella Nkom 14 January 2022LINK TO ARTICLE Jump Paintings; Part 1 Vigo Gallery 19 January – 5 February 2022 LINK TO EXHIBITION For some, basketball is just a sport....Read more -
LAKWENA MACIVER
Lakwena Maciver blasts colour and energy into a hidden corner of London – South West Londoner – Soraya Aslam 14 January 2022LINK TO ARTICLE Jump Paintings; Part 1 Vigo Gallery 19 January – 5 February 2022 LINK TO EXHIBITION Lakwena Maciver’s stunningly bright, colourful, enormous paintings...Read more -
LAKWENA MACIVER
12 Artists Poised to Break Out in 2022, Based on Our Survey of Top Dealers, Advisors, and Curators – Artnet 4 January 2022LINK TO ARTICLE Who will be the next big thing? We asked some of the art world’s leading curators, writers, art advisors, and gallery directors...Read more -
LAKWENA MACIVER
Why, for me, Frieze London is a satellite art fair. Ahead of its time, 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair is more than just a satellite to the Regent's Park event – The Art Newspaper – Chibundu Onuzo 17 December 2021LINK TO ARTICLE Aerial Basket Ball paintings 1:54 Contemporary African Art Fair The courtyard of Somerset House. Strand, London WC2R 1LA 14 – 17 October...Read more -
LAKWENA MACIVER
A different perspective: the changing status of Black British art – The Guardian – Rianna Jade Parker 8 November 2021LINK TO ARTICLE Aerial Basket Ball paintings 1:54 Contemporary African Art Fair The courtyard of Somerset House. Strand, London WC2R 1LA 14 – 17 October...Read more -
LAKWENA MACIVER
Lakwena Maciver paints a "vision of paradise" on the roof of London tube station – dezeen – Alice Finney 26 October 2021LINK TO ARTICLE Back in the Air: A Meditation on Higher Ground Temple Station's Roof Terrace 7 October 2021 – 1 September 2022 LINK TO...Read more -
LAKWENA MACIVER
From the shredder to the metaverse – Financial Times – Melanie Gerlis 21 October 2021LINK TO ARTICLE Aerial Basket Ball paintings 1:54 Contemporary African Art Fair The courtyard of Somerset House. Strand, London WC2R 1LA 14 – 17 October...Read more -
LAKWENA MACIVER
The Artists Garden with Lakwena 1400sqm Temple Station Roof Terrace Comes to Life – FAD Magazine – Mark Westall 20 October 2021LINK TO ARTICLE Back in the Air: A Meditation on Higher Ground Temple Station's Roof Terrace 7 October 2021 – 1 September 2022 LINK TO...Read more -
LAKWENA MACIVER
Back in the Air, The Artist's Garden, review: A colourful dose of joy on a forgotten rooftop by the Thames – i Review – Florence Hallett 19 October 2021LINK TO ARTICLE Back in the Air: A Meditation on Higher Ground Temple Station's Roof Terrace 7 October 2021 – 1 September 2022 LINK TO...Read more -
LAKWENA MACIVER
Why black Art MattersI was a sceptic, but diversity in art has been wondrous and may be its salvation – The Sunday Times – Waldemar Januszczak 17 October 2021LINK TO ARTICLE Back in the Air: A Meditation on Higher Ground Temple Station's Roof Terrace 7 October 2021 – 1 September 2022 LINK TO...Read more -
LAKWENA MACIVER
Fiorucci And Lakwena Celebrate Their Rousing Collaboration In Colourful Style – Vogue – Emma Weymouth 17 October 2021LINK TO ARTICLE The power of connectivity is at the heart of Lakwena and Fiorucci’s bold collaboration. “My name means ‘messenger’ in Acholi,” says London-based...Read more -
LAKWENA MACIVER
Court Artist Says It With Flowers – The Art Newspaper 15 October 2021Aerial Basket Ball paintings 1:54 Contemporary African Art Fair The courtyard of Somerset House. Strand, London WC2R 1LA 14 – 17 October 2021 LINK TO...Read more -
LAKWENA MACIVER
A private party with Radiohead and big questions on the big screen: the latest gossip from Frieze London. Court Artist says it with flowers – The Art Newspaper 15 October 2021LINK TO ARTICLE Aerial Basket Ball paintings 1:54 Contemporary African Art Fair The courtyard of Somerset House. Strand, London WC2R 1LA 14 – 17 October...Read more -
LAKWENA MACIVER
Fiorucci 15 October 2021LINK TO ARTICLE Based in London, artist Lakwena Maciver employs bright colour and bold text to create paintings which, often appearing in public spaces, can...Read more -
LAKWENA MACIVER
Are There Any Left?: A Sales Frenzy at London's 1-54 Fair Reflects the Heated Demand for African Contemporary Art – ArtNet – Amah-Rose Abrams 14 October 2021LINK TO ARTICLE Aerial Basket Ball paintings 1:54 Contemporary African Art Fair The courtyard of Somerset House. Strand, London WC2R 1LA 14 – 17 October...Read more -
LAKWENA MACIVER
1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair Nets Lakwena Maciver Basketball Paintings – Ocula – Sam Gaskin 13 October 2021Aerial Basket Ball paintings 1:54 Contemporary African Art Fair The courtyard of Somerset House. Strand, London WC2R 1LA 14 – 17 October 2021 LINK TO...Read more -
LAKWENA MACIVER
Frieze And Fanciful Art: London's Artistic Highlights This Fall – Forbes – Sarah Turner 12 October 2021LINK TO ARTICLE Back in the Air: A Meditation on Higher Ground Temple Station's Roof Terrace 7 October 2021 – 1 September 2022 LINK TO...Read more -
LAKWENA MACIVER
Artist Lakwena Maciver Unveils her expansive, immersive floorscape tiles - Back in the Air: A Meditation on Higher Ground, commissioned by theColab. – The Telegraph 6 October 2021LINK TO ARTICLE Back in the Air: A Meditation on Higher Ground Temple Station's Roof Terrace 7 October 2021 – 1 September 2022 LINK TO...Read more -
LAKWENA MACIVER
A colourful rood and giant feet: Best Photographs of the Day – The Guardian – Natasha Rees Bloor 6 October 2021LINK TO ARTICLE Back in the Air: A Meditation on Higher Ground Temple Station's Roof Terrace 7 October 2021 – 1 September 2022 LINK TO...Read more -
LAKWENA MACIVER
A razzle dazzle makeover for Temple Station's Roof Garden – Londonist – Will Noble 6 October 2021LINK TO ARTICLE Back in the Air: A Meditation on Higher Ground Temple Station's Roof Terrace 7 October 2021 – 1 September 2022 LINK TO...Read more -
LAKWENA MACIVER
Artist turns secret tube station roof into technicolour garden – Metro – Jordan King 6 October 2021LINK TO ARTICLE It may seem pointless painting a roof hardly anyone can see, but this artist wanted to create something facing ‘heavenward’. Lakwena Maciver,...Read more -
IBRAHIM EL-SALAHI – LAKWENA MACIVER – ZAK OVÉ
This immersive exhibition traces the legacy of Black British creativity. Visionary curator Aindrea Emelife has taken over Christie's with the most thrilling Black British artworks of the last four decades – Dazed – Emily Dinsdale 30 September 2021LINK TO ARTICLE Black Bold British. Curated by Aindrea Emelife Christies 1 – 22 October 2021 LINK TO EXHIBITION “I like to see my curatorial...Read more -
IBRAHIM EL-SALAHI – LAKWENA MACIVER – ZAK OVÉ
It's About Black Art Not Being a Sellable Fad: How One Curator Is Navigating the Market for a Show of Black British Art at Christie's London – ArtNet – Naomi Rea 15 September 2021LINK TO ARTICLE Bold Black British Christies 1 – 22 October 2021 EVENT DETAILS Christie’s will hold an exhibition of Black British art at its...Read more -
LAKWENA MACIVER
Artist Lakwena on her new Covent Garden installation – Luxury London – Annabel Harrison 20 July 2021LINK TO EXHIBITION Nothing Can Separate Us : the London-born artist on the significance of her latest bold and beautifully bright artwork, and how her...Read more -
LAKWENA MACIVER
Artist Lakwena has brought some colour to Covent Garden – Time Out – Joe Mackertich 8 July 2021LINK TO ARTICLE Nothing Can Separate Us Covent Garden. Floral Street 8 July – 30 September 2021 LINK TO EXHIBITION Floral Street in Covent Garden...Read more -
LAKWENA MACIVER
Lakwena brings her acid-bright, type art to Covent Garden in a takeover of optimism – Creative Boom – Katy Cowan 8 July 2021LINK TO ARTICLE Nothing Can Separate Us Covent Garden. Floral Street 8 July – 30 September 2021 LINK TO EXHIBITION If you happen to pass...Read more -
LAKWENA MACIVER
Covent Garden Installation Revealed – The Daily Telegraph 8 July 2021Nothing Can Separate Us Covent Garden. Floral Street 8 July – 30 September 2021 LINK TO EXHIBITION “In the pink! Covent Garden has unveiled an...Read more -
LAKWENA MACIVER
Evening Standard Magazine 9 April 2021 Read more -
LAKWENA MACIVER
Art review: Jump Paintings and Back in the Air by Lakwena – Church Times – Jonathan Evens 11 February 2021LINK TO ARTICLE Jump Paintings; Part 2 8 – 28 February 2022 LINK TO EXHIBITION In 2020, as a muralist much in demand, Lakwena Maciver...Read more -
LAKWENA MACIVER
LAKWENA ON BELIEF, MYTHOLOGY AND MAKING A STATEMENT – Creative Review – Aimée McLaughlin 3 February 2021LINK TO ARTICLE The London-based artist discusses the motivation and process behind her epic painted murals, which combine vibrant colour palettes with uplifting messages that...Read more -
LAKWENA MACIVER
Lakwena Maciver: Review-Interview Hastings Contemporary – ArtlystRevd – Jonathan Evens 31 January 2021LINK TO ARTICLE Homeplace Hastings Contemporary. Galleries 1+2 Rock-a-Nore Rd, Hastings TN34 3DW 10 December 2020 – 9 May 2021 LINK TO EXHIBITION Born in...Read more -
LAKWENA MACIVER
Artist Lakwena Transforms Basketball Court Into Colorful Text-Based Work – Hype Art – Keith Estiler 15 December 2020LINK TO ARTICLE London-based contemporary artist Lakwena recently unveiled a massive text-based work in the city of Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Situated across the flooring of...Read more -
LAKWENA MACIVER
Art of the matter: philanthropic initiatives so great you'll want to frame them. How To Give It in 2020 – and beyond – Financial Times – Rosanna Dodds 13 December 2020LINK TO ARTICLE In Normandy, the sky burns bright. Daffodils bloom and fruit trees blossom. At least, that’s the case in David Hockney’s universe, where...Read more -
LAKWENA MACIVER
Interview with Lakwena Maciver: Message behind the text. Lakwena Maciver is inspired by faith, family heritage, and Black historyy – Church Times – George Luke 28 August 2020LINK TO ARTICLE LAKWENA MACIVER’s bright, bold murals adorn walls in Vienna, New York, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, Sweden, and her home city of...Read more -
LAKWENA MACIVER
21:46 - 31:24 mins. UNIQLO TATE LATES: NIGHT IN. Friday 29 May 19.00–21.00 BST LINK TO UNIQLO TATE LATES: NIGHT IN – STREAM 1 29 May 2020LINK TO UNIQLO TATE LATES: NIGHT IN – STREAM 1 While Tate galleries are closed Uniqlo Tate Lates: Night In will be streaming an artist-led...Read more -
LAKWENA MACIVER
The sense of adventure in Lakwena Maciver's universe – Los Angeles Times – Christopher Knight 28 January 2015LINK TO ARTICLE Seven recent paintings by London-based artist Lakwena Maciver, who often goes by just her first name, fairly shout. They’re homemade street...Read more
Exhibitions
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Lakwena Maciver: Rise and Shine
Art After Dark 3 - 10 February 2026Leading artist Lakwena Maciver will headline Art of London’s Art After Dark unveiling a towering new public artwork in Piccadilly Circus. Channelling the energy of classic sound systems and London’s...Read more -
Lakwena Maciver: HOW WE BUILD A HOME
15 October 2025 - 1 February 2026 Wellington ArchVigo Gallery and English Heritage present LAKWENA – HOW WE BUILD A HOME , a vibrant new exhibition of cardboard and bead paintings by celebrated artist Lakwena Maciver at the...Read more -
LAKWENA MACIVER: A GREEN AND PLEASANT LAND (HA-HA)
The Weston Gallery, Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Wakefield 12 November 2022 - 19 March 2023Yorkshire Sculpture Park (YSP) announces an immersive solo exhibition of new painting and textile works by Lakwena Maciver . Vibrant colour and bold text combine in Lakwena’s joyful and gently...Read more -
LAKWENA MACIVER: STAYING POWER : HIPHOPHUIS INVITES LAKWENA
Kunsthal Museum, Rotterdam 24 September 2022 - 15 January 2023Kunsthal Museum, Rotterdam Museumpark, Westzeedijk 341, 3015 AA Rotterdam, NetherlandsRead more -
LAKWENA MACIVER: JUMP PAINTINGS
Hastings Contemporary 18 June - 25 September 2022Hastings Contemporary is proud to present an exhibition of Lakwena Maciver ’s Jump Paintings, abstract portraits of some of the most inspiring Basketball Players, both past and present. The origins...Read more -
LAKWENA MACIVER: WILD FLOWERS WILL GROW
The Arts Club, Dubai 10 March - 31 July 2022Lakwena Maciver is known for her large-scale public art projects which meld elements of pop culture and colors drawn from her African heritage. Her basketball painting series expands upon a...Read more -
LAKWENA MACIVER: TATE LATES
Tate Modern Turbine Hall, London 25 February 2022Join us after hours for a mix of art, music, film, conversation and food as we celebrate women artists in Tate’s collection Music: DJ Sets Programmed by Foundation FM Location:...Read more -
LAKWENA MACIVER: JUMP PAINTINGS; PART 2
8 - 28 February 2022 Vigo Gallery, Mason's YardVISIT VIRTUAL GALLERY Vigo is proud to present Lakwena Maciver ’s Jump Paintings, abstract portraits of some of the most inspiring Basketball Players past and present. Lakwena is internationally renowned...Read more -
LAKWENA MACIVER: JUMP PAINTINGS; PART 1
19 January - 5 February 2022 Vigo Gallery, Mason's YardVigo Gallery VISIT VIRTUAL GALLERY Vigo is proud to present Lakwena Maciver’s Jump Paintings, abstract portraits of some of the most inspiring Basketball Players past and present. Lakwena is internationally...Read more -
LAKWENA MACIVER: AERIAL BASKET BALL PAINTINGS
1:54 Contemporary African Art Fair, London 14 - 17 October 20211:54 Contemporary African Art Fair The courtyard of Somerset House Strand, London WC2R 1LA Vigo presents Lakwena Maciver’s Aerial BB Paintings from the 14-17th October in the courtyard of Somerset...Read more -
LAKWENA MACIVER: BACK IN THE AIR: A MEDITATION ON HIGHER GROUND
Temple Station's Roof Terrace, London 7 October 2021 - 1 September 2022Temple Station's Roof Terrace theCoLAB Temple presents The Artist’s Garden with a co-commission by 180 Studios and in partnership with Westminster City Council For the first time since it was...Read more -
IBRAHIM EL-SALAHI – LAKWENA MACIVER – ZAK OVÉ
BLACK BOLD BRITISH. CURATED BY AINDREA EMELIFE – Christie's, London 1 - 22 October 2021Christies LINK TO VIRTUAL TOUR Vigo is delighted to participate in Bold Black British in partnership with the curator Aindrea Emelife and Christies. Taking place from 1 to 21 October,...Read more -
LAKWENA MACIVER: MAP OF BIG LOVE
Sugar Mountain, Munich 17 September 2021 - 31 December 2022Lakwena x MINI Sugar Mountain, Munich London-born artist Lakwena Maciver has made a name for herself with artworks that combine bold colours, kaleidoscopic patterns and ideas, messages and meditations distilled...Read more -
LAKWENA MACIVER: NOTHING CAN SEPARATE US
Covent Garden, London 8 July - 30 September 2021Covent Garden Floral Street CAPCO COVENT GARDEN PRESS RELEASE Covent Garden unveils an art installation by London-born artist Lakwena, transforming its streets with acid-bright colours and bold typographic messages. Floral...Read more -
LAKWENA MACIVER: HOMEPLACE
Hastings Contemporary 10 December 2020 - 9 May 2021Lakwena Maciver ’s 'Homeplace' will mark the re-opening of Hastings Contemporary after the UK’s latest national lockdown. Lakwena Maciver, one of the UK’s most exciting contemporary black artists creates painted...Read more
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