Kimathi Donkor: Queens of the Undead

'Kimathi Donkor: Queens of the Undead' was a solo exhibition held at Rivington Place that included paintings newly commissioned by Iniva alongside recent and earlier works.

The show featured depictions of heroic black women who held military commands in anti-colonial and anti-slavery struggles. The lives of Njinga Mbandi, Nanny of the Maroons, Yaa Asantewaa and Harriet Tubman were illustrated through dramatic depictions of documented and mythologised events.

Curated by Tessa Jackson and Grant Watson the exhibition also featured a programme that included a tour with filmmaker John Sealey; a family workshop led by Othello De'Souza-Hartley; a 'new opinions' tour led by young people; a panel discussion with Nana Adusei-Poku and Kimathi Donkor; an artist's tour; an artist's masterclass and a Stuart Hall Reading Group study day at the Stuart Hall Library.

A catalogue booklet was published by Iniva, featuring texts by Dr David Dibosa and Professor Carol Tulloch, who also contributed texts to the information panels in the show.

No of artworks: 9

1. Kombi Continua (Scenes from the life of Njinga Mbandi). 2010, oil on linen, 160 x 171 cm.

2. Drama Queen (Scenes from the life of Njinga Mbandi). 2010, oil on linen, 160 x 100 cm.

3. When shall we 3? (Scenes from the life of Njinga Mbandi). 2010, oil on linen, 160 x 105 cm.

4. Harriet Tubman En Route to Canada. 2012, oil on canvas, 165 x 210 cm.

5. Nanny [of the Maroons'] Fifth Act of Mercy. 2012, oil on canvas, 165 x 210 cm.

6. Yaa Asantewaa Inspecting the Dispositions at Ejisu. 2012, oil on canvas, 165 x 210 cm.

7. Johnny Was borne Aloft by Joy & Stephen. 2010, oil on canvas, 160 x 190 cm.

8. Madonna Metropolitan[: The Death of Cynthia Jarrett]
2005, oil on canvas, 161.5 x 161.5 cm.

9. [Portrait of the Artist] Helping With Enquiries: 1984. 2005, oil on canvas, 150 x 150 cm.

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