"What is it like to be a young artist growing up - what are your reference points and how do you take ownership and claim that history?” Taking inspiration from 1950s porn magazines, Lucian Freud and her grandfather, the young British artist Somaya Critchlow creates intimate paintings that reclaim ownership of the Black female nude.

Danielle visits The Lightbox, the regional contemporary art gallery in Surrey,  where recently-appointed director Sarah Brown  made the unconventional decision to showcase an exhibition of works by Lucian Freud alongside an adjacent exhibition, curated by the young British female artist, Somaya Critchlow. Running until the 19th March 2023, the Freud side of the exhibition features a range of portraits, nudes and photos, spanning the artist’s career; while the Soul as Sphere, which sits in the same room, is filled with works by Somaya’s grandfather, the artists and expert in sacred geometry Keith Critchlow, as well as pieces by his contemporaries such as Frank Auerback and Leon , and some by Somaya herself. The effect is highly complimentary and serves to afford the viewer the chance to look at Freud through a fresh - namely female and contemporary - lens. Speaking separately to both Sarah and Somaya, Danielle gets to hear about their motivations and inspirations behind the project. 

Image courtesy of the artist and Blau International. Photography: Lewis Ronald