Peter Kennard's Archive of Dissent retrospective at Whitechapel Gallery examines political art and media power
The Whitechapel Gallery in London is hosting Peter Kennard's retrospective, Archive of Dissent, which runs until 19 January 2025. This exhibition features a workspace installation filled with newspapers, aged documents, and political posters. The highlight, The People's University of the East End (2024), displays placards that tackle socialist themes from the mid-1960s to the present, including anti-nuclear and anti-war campaigns. Additionally, a vitrine titled Worktop (1966–2024) reveals Kennard's artistic journey. Among his significant pieces are a 1982 collage in support of Poland's Solidarność and a 2023 artwork depicting the Palestine flag. The show examines the impact of media and the repercussions of austerity. Kennard, who has been a key figure since his first solo exhibition in 1968, is currently an Emeritus Professor of Political Art at the RCA.
Key facts
- Archive of Dissent runs through 19 January 2025 at Whitechapel Gallery in London
- The exhibition includes The People's University of the East End (2024) with placards alluding to CND, Ukraine, Gaza, and Anglo-American military actions
- A vitrine titled Worktop (1966–2024) displays Kennard's process materials like scissors, glue, and newspapers
- Kennard's 1982 Solidarność collage features a bayonet cutting through the union's logo
- His 2007 montage Union Mask depicts Earth with a gas mask and UK/US flags
- The show excludes collaborations with Cat Phillipps, including Photo Op (2005) in the National Portrait Gallery
- Kennard's first solo exhibition Stop was in 1968, the year Murdoch bought News of the World
- Kennard was Emeritus Professor of Political Art at the Royal College of Art until retirement
Entities
Artists
- Peter Kennard
- Cat Phillipps
- Juliet Jacques
- Guy Debord
- Marshall McLuhan
- Francis Fukuyama
- Tony Blair
- Banksy
Institutions
- Whitechapel Gallery
- Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND)
- National Portrait Gallery
- Royal College of Art (RCA)
- The Guardian
- Labour Party
- Greater London Council
- News UK
- Telegraph
- News of the World
- Solidarność (Solidarity)
- Adbusters
- Artreview
Locations
- London
- United Kingdom
- UK
- East End
- Poland
- Ukraine
- Gaza
- US
- Soviet bloc
- Europe