BLK JOY mural now on display at Westfield Stratford City

A new collaborative mural is on display in Westfield Stratford City produced by Black Queer collective ENGAGE, led by Hackney-based multidisciplinary artist and Westfield East Bank Creative Futures Fund grantee RhyanRhyan.

You can visit the temporary display on the ground floor next to Tommy Hilfiger.

“BLK JOY” is a collaborative digital art mural that was born from the communal discussions, interactions and activities that were held within the ENGAGE workshop entitled ‘Black Joy’ which was hosted by RhyanRhyan.

The collaborative piece is an embodiment and representation of the thoughts and lived experiences of the Black and Brown communities of our generation.

The concept of the workshop themed on “Black Joy” was to counteract the repetitive culture of capturing Black trauma and suffering. The Black Joy workshop was a redefining discovery of identifying what ‘Joy’ means to themselves and the Afro-Caribbean diaspora.

Ultimately, the participants were challenged to express themselves creatively whilst collaborating with each other using music and art to unlock answers surrounding how they can find joy within their own lives and discussing what the future of Black Joy looks like to them.

RhyanRhyan is a Multidisciplinary artist, based in Hackney, London. Rhyan has collaborated with a number of creative and grassroots agencies, such as Tate Britain, Livity, Studio Moross, Adam & Eve DDB, and the V&A. RhyanRhyan is currently a Future Producer at Somerset House and studies BA Fine Art at UAL Chelsea College of Art and Design.

ENGAGE is a creative community-led and cultural based project initiative that incorporates the theme of Black Queer visibility, engagement, education and impact. Engage is supported by the Westfield East Bank Creative Futures Fund.

ENGAGE and its project BLK JOY was supported by the Westfield East Bank Creative Futures Fund.

The collaboration with Westfield Stratford City was also informed by the retailer’s Better Places 2030 commitment.

BLK JOY Art Work Credit

“RhyanRhyan” Rhyan Jordan Holder, Aaliyah Nurein, Halima Ali, Nabila Nebula, Sienna Chin-Crutchfield, Tiobista Kidane, Ashaana Bheir, Curtis Lewis, Kayleigh De Sousa, Fiona Quadri, Gregory Ojakpe, Des Johnson, Valeria Salinas Toro.