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We must let the people grow up with works of art playing a direct positive part in their everyday lives. We must return to the concept of city planning which has inspired the growth of great cities of the world, giving it a new interpretation. We must ignite among our people the spark of curiosity, about the inner visions, meanings and truths of life, which can come only by bringing art within the horizon of our city life.
– Novera Ahmed (1939-2015)
Tower Hamlets Council in partnership with the Whitechapel Gallery, London Metropolitan University and the City of London Corporation are proud to present Nourishing Disruptions by Jacob V Joyce.
With the aim of inspiring future generations and helping to educate those that visit the local area, Jacob’s mural, entitled Nourishing Disruptions, celebrates the rich and diverse history found in this particular part of Tower Hamlets.
The design pays tribute to some of the radical activists and art histories of Whitechapel, which include the Jagonari Women’s Centre, the Shaheed Minar Monument by Bengali sculptor Novera Ahmed located in Altab Ali Park, and the protests which attempted to save the Bell Foundry. Taking centre stage, a child inspired by the students at the nearby Canon Barnett primary school, uses art to make windows through a busy landscape symbolising art-making’s power to create spaces where ideas can connect, flourish and become concrete realities.
To view a Bengali language translation of text about the mural, click here.
Jacob V Joyce’s work ranges from afro-futurist world-building workshops to mural painting, comic books and performance art. Joyce has self-published several zines and illustrated international human rights campaigns for Out and Proud African LGBTI, Amnesty International, and Global Justice Now.
Jacob was awarded the TFL Arts Grant in 2019 and has seen their work displayed at Gasworks, Serpentine Galleries, Nottingham Contemporary and as part of the Tate Learning Programme.
Joyce is a non-binary artist amplifying historical and nourishing new queer and decolonial narratives.
The Nourishing Disruptions mural is located on the corner of Pomell Way and Old Castle Street, London E1. The exact location can be found here.
It is approximately a 4 minute walk (0.2 miles) from Whitechapel Gallery.
The nearest tube station is Aldgate East.
Whitechapel Gallery sits down with artist Jacob V Joyce to discuss their most recent mural for Pomell Way.
Artist Jacob V Joyce
Commissioner Tower Hamlets Council
In partnership with Whitechapel Gallery, London Metropolitan University and City of London Corporation
Painted by Good Night Vienna
With special thanks to Whitechapel Gallery Chief Curator Lydia Yee, artist Rana Begun, Ed Archer the Head of Service Design at Toynbee Hall, Naomi Agyekum from the Tower Hamlets High Streets team and Rachal Bradley, Head of Art at London Metropolitan University for participating in the selection committee.
