New mural by Turner Prize nominee launches at Brixton Tube station

A new mural by a Turner Prize nominee has been unveiled at a London Underground station as part of a year-long art programme by Transport for London (TfL).

Three Women, by Claudette Johnson, has today been installed at the entrance of Brixton Underground station. 

The work, which will be on display for a year, is part of the rail networks Art on the Underground programme – a scheme that commissions work for the Tube network.

Ms Johnson said: “Three Women was inspired by an earlier work, Trilogy 1982-86, which depicts three standing figures adopting poses that reflect their way of being in the world. 

“In Three Women, I have loosely referenced Picasso’s 1907 painting, Les Demoiselles D’Avignon by having the sitters adopt seated poses that reflect those of some of ‘les demoiselles’.

“I am fascinated by the power that emanates from these postures and this is borne from my longstanding interest in women, power and how we claim space in places where we have been absent, obscured, caricatured or denied.”

The 65-year-old is a founding member of the 1980s BLK Art Group in Wolverhampton, Birmingham, which was created to challenge harmful stereotypes of representation. Her work aims to give space and power to the presence of black women and men and an understanding of shared humanity.

Justine Simons OBE, Deputy Mayor for Culture and the Creative Industries, said: “Art on the Underground is part of the fabric of London’s transport network and an amazing way to showcase incredible artistic talent to millions of people every day. 

“I’m delighted that the renowned Claudette Johnson is the next artist to display her work at Brixton Underground station – putting a triptych of Black women centre stage and telling the unique story of their lived experiences.”

Earlier this year, Art on the Underground saw Rita Keegan, co-founder of the Brixton Art Gallery in Atlantic Road, Brixton, and creator of the Women Artists of Colour Index, develop a design for the pocket tube map which explores the history of moquette design. 

The next commission to be unveiled as part of the programme is a permanent, six-panel mosaic designed by Hannah Quinlan and Rosie Hastings, which will be launched at St James’ Park Station on November 28.

Cllr Donatus Anyanwu, Lambeth’s Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities, said:  “I’m delighted this new mural by Claudette Johnson has been installed at Brixton Tube station where thousands of our residents will be able to enjoy it as they travel on the London Underground or visit the town centre. 

“It’s such a prominent location and a wonderful opportunity to celebrate Claudette’s incredible artistic achievements, particularly as we’re currently marking Black History Month.”

Ms Johnson’s work is also part of a mural programme unique to Brixton Underground Station which has been running since 2018.

The scheme invites artists to create murals in response to public artworks from the 1980s, and has previously featured works by artists including Denzil Forrester, Joy Labinjo and Njideka Akunyili Crosby.

Ms Johnson has been nominated for the 2024 Turner Prize, one of the world’s most prestigious art awards. 

Her work is currently included in The Turner Prize exhibition at Tate Britain, alongside fellow nominees Pio Abad, Jasleen Kaur and Delaine Le Bas. The prize will be awarded on December 3, at a ceremony at Tate Britain.

Pictured top: Claudette Johnson’s new mural at Brixton Station (Picture: Angus Mill Photography)