To mark Black History Month in the UK, a new exhibition brings together four extraordinary photographers and one revelatory exhibition. ‘Heavy is the Mantle’ by Holly-Marie Cato explores the spiritual and symbolic mantle of responsibility that church leaders carry, specifically within the Caribbean community. It follows the last days of Herbert Cato before he stepped down from his role presiding over the Bishop of City Mission Church, as well as expanding to the wider congregation; capturing their swishing choir robes, taking communion and the theatre of exhortations.
The exhibition also marks the beginning of a month long set of talks from leading Black photographers such as Renee Maria Osubu, Henry J. Kamara and Simon Frederick, best known for his part in creating “Black Is The New Black” (BBC) and “They’ve Gotta Have Us” (Netflix).
Cato said of the launch: “Over the month of October, we want to celebrate Black pioneering photographers who have pushed the visual narrative. Photographers who have not been celebrated enough from the legendary Charlie Philips to Leica grant recipient Renee Maria Osubu. We want to shine a light on their work in a series of four talks hosted by leading Black photographers and aimed at championing new voices, while also inviting a younger, more diverse audience through the doors of Leica Store Mayfair and Leica Gallery London.”
The exhibition runs from 1 October - 1 November 2022 at Leica Gallery London, 64-66 Duke Street, W1K 6JD. uk.leica-camera.com
