A new mural has been unveiled at Brixton Tube Station in London by Turner Prize nominee Claudette Johnson as part of an art programme by Transport for London (TfL). The mural, titled Three Women, is now on display at the station entrance for a year. The installation is part of TfL’s Art on the Underground programme, which commissions art for the Tube network.
Claudette Johnson shared that her inspiration for Three Women came from her earlier work, Trilogy 1982-86, which depicted three standing figures in poses reflecting their way of being in the world. In this new mural, she loosely referenced Picasso’s Les Demoiselles D’Avignon by having the sitters adopt seated poses reminiscent of the figures in the painting. Johnson expressed her fascination with the power of these postures and her interest in women, power, and claiming space for those who have been marginalized.
As a founding member of the 1980s BLK Art Group in Wolverhampton, Birmingham, Johnson’s work aims to challenge harmful stereotypes and provide visibility and empowerment for black women and men. Justine Simons OBE, Deputy Mayor for Culture and the Creative Industries, praised the display of Johnson’s work at Brixton Underground station, highlighting the importance of showcasing diverse artistic talent in London’s transport network.
Earlier this year, Art on the Underground featured a design by Rita Keegan on the pocket tube map, exploring the history of moquette design. The next commission in the programme will be a permanent mosaic by Hannah Quinlan and Rosie Hastings at St James’ Park Station. Cllr Donatus Anyanwu, Lambeth’s Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities, expressed delight in the installation of Claudette Johnson’s mural at Brixton Tube station, especially during Black History Month.
Claudette Johnson’s mural is part of a unique programme at Brixton Underground Station, which invites artists to create murals in response to public artworks from the 1980s. Previous works in the programme have included pieces by Denzil Forrester, Joy Labinjo, and Njideka Akunyili Crosby. Johnson’s nomination for the 2024 Turner Prize, one of the most prestigious art awards globally, adds to the significance of her work. Visitors can also view her art at The Turner Prize exhibition at Tate Britain, where the winner will be announced on December 3.
