About the artist
Barbara Walker works in a range of media and formats, from embossed works on paper to paintings on canvas and large scale charcoal wall drawings. Growing up in Birmingham, Walker’s experiences have shaped a practice concerned with issues of class and power, gender, race, representation and belonging.
Walker was nominated for her presentation entitled Burden of Proof at Sharjah Biennial 15. In this body of work, Walker brings careful attention and visibility to individuals and families affected by the Windrush scandal. The exhibition at Towner features large scale charcoal figures drawn directly onto the gallery wall and a series of works on paper. Monochromatic portraits of people impacted by the scandal are layered over hand-drawn reproductions of documents that evidence their right to remain in the UK. Walker invites the viewer to consider the true consequences of political decision-making, the complexities of diasporic identity and the struggle for legitimacy.
Related Events
In this film by Tate, Barbara Walker shows us around her studio in Birmingham and talks about the themes present in her practice, including temporality, power and body politics.
Barbara Walker, Burden of Proof 10, 2023. Courtesy the artist and Cristea Roberts Gallery, London. ©Barbara Walker. Photo: Chris Keena.
Barbara Walker, Turner Prize 2023, Towner Eastbourne. Photo: Angus Mill.
Barbara Walker, Turner Prize 2023, Towner Eastbourne. Photo: Angus Mill.