Lubaina Himid, the Zanzibar-born artist who recently represented Britain at the 2026 Venice Biennale, reflected on her artistic and political journey in a discussion recorded earlier this year. Known for her exploration of immigrant experiences and themes of belonging, Himid has been recognized with the Turner Prize and is noted for her influential role in British contemporary art.

Himid recounted her participation in the 1985 exhibition The Thin Black Line alongside artists Sonia Boyce and Claudette Johnson. The show was significant for its focus on Black British identity and culture at a time when such perspectives were underrepresented in the art world. The exhibition marked a departure from the prevailing trends of the time, particularly in contrast to the approach taken by the Young British Artists (YBAs), who emerged in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Himid explained that their artistic outlook was deeply intertwined with political motivations, aiming to challenge societal norms and address issues of race, identity, and representation. Unlike the YBAs, whose work often emphasized shock tactics and commercial appeal, Himid and her contemporaries sought to foreground the lived experiences of marginalized communities through narrative and figurative art.

Her recent work continues to engage with these themes, drawing from personal and collective memories to examine the complexities of cultural identity in a globalized world. At the Venice Biennale, Himid’s presentation highlighted stories of immigration and belonging, reflecting both historical contexts and contemporary dynamics.

Through her career, Himid has maintained a commitment to using art as a means of social commentary and activism. Her early involvement in exhibitions like The Thin Black Line laid the groundwork for a broader conversation about diversity and inclusion in the arts—a conversation that remains relevant today.