Maxine Walker, Black Beauty, 1991

The juxtaposition of self-portraits and still-life photographs in Black Beauty contemplates what it means to exist as a Black woman in contemporary society. Created in 1991, Walker’s photographs emerged at a moment of profound social and cultural transformation in Britain, as questions of race, identity, representation and belonging became increasingly central.

Black Beauty engages with the shifting and often exclusionary standards of beauty. Through this series, Walker offers visions from a space of her own making: one that values and welcomes her Blackness.

This edition is a set of six individual prints, each measuring 10 × 8 inches (9.9 × 7.8 inch image size). Installed together, the works form a larger-scale arrangement with flexible dimensions. 

In 2019, Autograph staged the first solo exhibition of Walker’s work in 22 years, reintroducing a pioneering artist whose practice centred representations of Black womanhood. This edition of Black Beauty continues our commitment to ensure Walker's significant contribution to the cultural history of photography is recognised, and has already been acquired by a major UK collection. 

Autograph is a registered charity. Profits from this edition can help us to preserve diverse photographic history, keep our exhibitions free, reach those who are underrepresented, and support the next generation of artists.

Edition of 3
Set of 6 Silver gelatin prints
Unframed
Paper size: 10" x 8"
Image size: 9.9" × 7.8"
Printed in 2025
With certificate of authenticity issued by Autograph

Limited Edition prints are sent via courier, and are dispatched within 14 working days of purchase to allow for packing and condition checks. You will be emailed details and tracking information for shipment.

Items for collection from our gallery in London will be available for pickup within 14 working days. You will be emailed when your order is ready.

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Please note that this sale is for the physical limited edition print only. Copyright is retained by the artist, and this sale does not include reproduction or digital rights for the work.

If resold in the future, the artist may be entitled to the Artist's Resale Right, for more information visit DACS.

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