In 1993 Paul Gilroy coined the term ‘The Black Atlantic’ to describe the fusion of black cultures with other cultures from around the Atlantic. His book had an enormous impact on how black culture has been perceived and discussed within the field of cultural studies, stimulating ongoing critical debates. Afro Modern: Journeys through the Black Atlantic reflects this idea of the Atlantic Ocean as a ‘continent in negative,’ a network of surrounding and interconnecting cultures spanning Africa, North and South America, the Caribbean and Europe, and traces the real and imaginary routes taken by artists across the Atlantic from 1909 to today. The exhibition is divided into chronological chapters, ranging from early twentieth century avant-garde movements such as the Harlem Renaissance to current debates around ‘Post-Black’ art. It opens up an alternative transatlantic reading of Modernism and its impact on contemporary culture for a new generation and places the work of a wide range of artists in juxtaposition. Afro Modern: Journeys through the Black Atlantic features work by artists including Romare Bearden, Constantin Brancusi, Edward Burra, Renee Cox, Aaron Douglas, Walker Evans, Ellen Gallagher, David Hammons, Isaac Julien, Wifredo Lam, Jacob Lawrence, Norman Lewis, Glenn Ligon, Ronald Moody, Wangechi Mutu, Pablo Picasso, Keith Piper, Tracey Rose and Kara Walker.