18th December – 26th January

Blackground & Beyond is an exploration of identity, faith, heritage, and culture, presented by Saatchi Gallery Learning Department’s inaugural Artists-in-Residence, Jenny Bardoville and Mellezia.

In the words of the artists, ‘Black’ reflects their heritage and the societal label often assigned at first glance; it is both a mark of distinction and a point of departure. ‘Ground’ symbolises deep-rooted foundations – a connection to ancestry and the sustaining force of God, as well as the restorative power found through grounding in nature.

‘Beyond’ speaks to the transformative nature of their faith and the personal relationship each artist shares with God. This connection is beyond the abstract – it directly shapes their artistic process; with Biblical scripture, music, and spiritual practice guiding their journey towards renewal and peace.

During their residency, Mellezia and Jenny collaborated for the first time on select pieces and developed individual works, experimenting with new materials and techniques to bring the exhibition’s themes to life.

Blackground & Beyond is an invitation from the artists to consider who we are beyond first impressions. Their reflections inspire curiosity about our own identities and the foundational reasons for our existence – urging us to dream beyond our circumstances, to connect across barriers, and to build a more hopeful
future together.