Peter Kennard: Archive of Dissent at Whitechapel Gallery

An artist and activist, Peter Kennard’s prolific work depicts the hollow dystopia of government failures, historical events and their consequences. These photographic montages are now available to view for free at the Whitechapel Gallery as part of Peter Kennard: Archive of Dissent, an eye-opening exhibition that dives deep into the man’s artistic style and thematic considerations, subjecting viewers to over 50 years of unmasking society and underlining the harsh reality of repeating history.

Coming up the stairs, galleries five, six and seven are lined with stacks of newspapers, from which viewers are free to take, featuring curated pieces of Kennard’s work. This portfolio is reflective of his form of activism, most of which is featured in print – from books and placards to a series of publications. Along one of the walls are sliding frames of wood, plastic and cardboard adorned with cutouts of his magazine covers, photography and newspaper spreads. It’s like turning page after page of anti-war sentiment and commentary on the political state of the world from one big event to the next – from World War II remembrances, the Cold War and even a poster from 1991 for an event speaking up for the Middle East, specifically the Kurds and Palestine. This piece is evidence that the devastations happening right now in Gaza are nothing new.

While the exhibition may be small, it is abundant. There are so many individual pieces that people can take their time viewing, including a table full of books they can peruse through to see more of Kennard’s work and behind-the-scenes details of his creation process. Kennard often uses the motif of skulls and skeletons, as if to showcase the hollowing out of the UK and revealing the ugliness that hides within those in power. He also has an affinity for trapped imagery, with some of his work using glasses, bars and cages to separate the viewer from the subjects of his art. It’s a technique that captures the continuous cycle of having one’s voice be snuffed out or remain unheard. This theme is even more prominent in the picket fence fixture of the exhibition. Here, a series of his works are used by the protestors yet they stay behind a tape scribed with the words, “Do Not Cross.” It says a lot that even when exercising the right to protest, some limitations still exist.

One can appreciate Kennard’s dissent, dissatisfaction and frustration when confronted by such assertive and sometimes disturbing visuals, especially in the stark contrast of black and white. Peter Kennard: Archive of Dissent highlights how the artist used his creations to give voice to those who felt voiceless, and it’s both inspiring and devastating; it’s inspiring to see someone speak up, but it’s devastating knowing that despite all that effort, the cycle of war, violence and government failure continues to rage on.

Mae Trumata
Photo: Courtesy of Peter Kennard

Peter Kennard: Archive of Dissent is at from 23^rd July 2024 until 19^th January 2025. For further information or to book visit the exhibition’s website here.