Ten.8 afterimage revisits the influential photography journal Ten.8 (1978–1992), bringing its legacy into dialogue with urgent contemporary concerns.
Emerging from the Midlands during a period of intense cultural and political change, Ten.8 played a pivotal role in shaping critical debates around race, class, power and visibility. Ten.8 afterimage builds on that foundation, presenting a mix of historic works and new commissions that reflect on how these conversations continue to resonate today.
It includes pieces produced in the 1980s and 1990s alongside new work, with artists such as British Ghanaian visual artist Heather Agyepong, Vanley Burke, Chila Kumari Singh Burman, Lorna Simpson, James Van Der Zee and many more featured. Full list of artists can be found here.
Curated by Pelumi Odubanjo, the exhibition is the culmination of ICF’s 18-month Ten.8 Curatorial & Research Fellowship. Delivered with mentorship from members of the original Ten.8 editorial team, the project combines new research with historical insight to ensure both depth and contemporary relevance.
“ We are thrilled to present Ten.8 afterimage in collaboration with The New Art Gallery Walsall. We are immensely proud of Pelumi Odubanjo’s work throughout her fellowship. This exhibition not only celebrates the historical significance of the journal Ten.8 within the photographic canon but also brings its vital conversations on identity, representation and social change vividly into the present day. “
David A. Bailey MBE
Artistic Director of ICF
Ten.8 afterimage promises to be a highlight of the 2026 cultural programme and further strengthens Walsall’s reputation as a centre for contemporary art and dialogue.
Ten.8 afterimage Exhibition Details:
Ten.8 afterimage is made possible with support from Arts Council England, Walsall Council, The Foyle Foundation, The Hollick Family Foundation, Esmée Fairbairn Foundation and Art Fund.
For more information on the exhibition, visit: thenewartgallerywalsall.org.uk and www.internationalcuratorsforum.org
