Claudette Johnson unveils mural 'Three Women' at Brixton station

On October 26, 2024, a mural titled 'Three Women' by Claudette Johnson was unveiled at Brixton Underground station in London, England. This mural marks Johnson's first public artwork and is a part of Transport for London's ongoing Art on the Underground initiative, which has been showcasing various artists' works since 2018. The mural reflects the history of local street art, initially inspired by murals from the 1980s, emphasizing the significance of representation in public spaces. Johnson's work is a triptych that draws loose inspiration from Picasso's 1907 painting 'Les Demoiselles D’Avignon', exploring themes related to the power dynamics of women and their representation in art. The artist expressed her fascination with the physical presence of women in this artwork and discussed how it illustrates the complexities of claiming space where representation has often been minimal or negative. Eleanor Pinfield, the Head of Art on the Underground, remarked on the mural’s design and vision, emphasizing its potential impact on a wide audience. The mural aims to honor the experiences of Black women, marking an important cultural statement within the context of public art. As part of the ongoing Art on the Underground project, this mural follows the exhibition of previous artists such as Denzil Forrester and Joy Labinjo. As Johnson simultaneously participates in The Turner Prize exhibition at Tate Britain, her recent work serves as a beacon for contemporary dialogue regarding identity, representation, and art’s role in society. The award ceremony is set to take place on December 3, 2024, at Tate Britain, further highlighting her contributions to the art community.