“Dancing in the Street” brings together a comprehensive selection of the artist’s paintings, drawings, and prints. Born in Barbados in 1946 and migrating to England in 1957, Dash constructs the migrant experience in his works not merely as a narrative of sorrow but as “a joyful expression of belonging.”
In Dash’s artistic practice, traces of the Caribbean art tradition and the legacy of the Caribbean Artists Movement (CAM) come to life with a rhythmic energy that lends a musical structure to his compositions. The artist’s brushstrokes follow the movements of dancers participating in celebrations on Barbados streets, drawing the viewer into a dynamic flow. Dash treats communal celebration spaces—such as weddings, dances, and street festivals—not only as social events but as sacred places where collective joy transforms into history and memory. The intense chromaticism in his works stands as the strongest evidence of this vibrant cultural continuity stretching from Barbados’ scorching sun to London’s gray streets.
Paul Dash is not only a painter but also an academic who has shaped the English art education system. Having taught for many years at Goldsmiths and holding a PhD, Dash is one of the pioneers advocating for the place of diasporic experience in educational curricula. This exhibition also celebrates the inseparable bond between his artistic practice and his identity as an educator.
Visit Information
Venue: Felix & Spear, 71 St. Mary’s Road, London W5 5RG.
Dates: Continues until March 8, 2026.
Apartment No:26 Note
Paul Dash’s canvases whisper this to us: Joy is the most powerful form of resistance that filters through even the most challenging migration stories. On these cool December days in London, joining that “street dance” on the walls of Felix & Spear could be a wonderful occasion to enter the new year with hope.
