Rise Up: Resistance, Revolution, Abolition (February - June 2025)

Associate Curator

Fitzwilliam Museum, University of Cambridge

Through a powerful dialogue between historic objects and contemporary art, Rise Up examined the century-long fight to abolish British enslavement (1750–1850) and its enduring resonance in today’s social justice movements. Moving beyond traditional narratives, the exhibition centered the often-overlooked Black Georgians and Victorians who were the architects of their own liberation. It celebrates a global network of resistance leaders, from Nanny of the Maroons to Olaudah Equiano, connecting their historic struggle to the ongoing fight for equality.

The exhibition featured works by Jacqueline Bishop, Errol Ross Brewster, François Cauvin, Kimathi Donkor, Joscelyn Gardner, Adebunmi Gbadebo, Jahnavi Inniss, Grada Kilomba, Joy Labinjo, Karen McLean, Keith Piper, and Julien Sinzogan.