Resistance has been a defining aspect of Steve McQueen’s life, as the acclaimed British film director reflects on his earliest experiences of solidarity and camaraderie in the face of racial discrimination. In a recent exhibition titled “Resistance,” McQueen delves into a century’s worth of photography, showcasing the various forms of protest and activism that have shaped Britain’s history.
The exhibition, currently on display at Turner Contemporary in Margate, England, features nearly 200 black-and-white images that span from the suffrage movement in 1903 to the anti-Iraq war demonstrations in 2003. McQueen spent four years conducting archival research to curate a collection that highlights the struggles against oppression, discrimination, and inequality over the past century.
Among the photographers featured in the exhibition are Christina Broom, a pioneering British photojournalist, and Vanley Burke, a British-Jamaican photographer known for documenting the Afro-Caribbean community in Britain. The show also includes images from unknown sources, including grassroots photographers, surveillance camera operators, and community activists who used photography to shape their narratives and build solidarity networks.
The exhibition’s subtitle, “How protest shaped Britain and photography shaped protest,” underscores the integral role that photography has played in disseminating information about protests and capturing the essence of social movements. From images of suffragists and anti-fascist demonstrators to environmental activists and LGBTQ+ protesters, the photographs in “Resistance” showcase the diverse range of voices and causes that have challenged the status quo in Britain.
One striking photograph from 1913 depicts police arresting Annie Kenney, a defiant socialist, suffragist, and cotton mill worker, during a protest in London. Another image captures the intense atmosphere of the Battle of Cable Street in 1936, where anti-fascist demonstrators clashed with police during a march by the British Union of Fascists.
The exhibition also explores more joyful moments of resistance, such as the vibrant Caribbean carnival organized by activist Claudia Jones in 1959. Jones understood the power of communal celebration as a form of resistance, transforming moments of trauma into expressions of cultural pride.
As the exhibition reaches its endpoint in 2003, it reflects on the evolving relationship between photography, protest, and truth in the age of social media and smartphones. Despite these technological advancements, McQueen believes that protest remains as urgent as ever in today’s political climate.
“Resistance” serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring spirit of resistance in Britain, showcasing how individuals and communities have come together to challenge injustice and fight for a more equitable society. From the suffrage movement to LGBTQ+ rights activism, the exhibition celebrates the diverse history of protest in Britain and the role of photography in capturing these moments of defiance and resilience.
