Jennie Baptiste: Rhythm & Roots Opens At Somerset House

Step inside three decades of bold photography and cultural storytelling.

POSTED BY EMMA AUBIE

Somerset House unveiled Jennie Baptiste: Rhythm & Roots — the first major solo exhibition by the trailblazing photographer whose work helped define the visual language of Black British identity. Celebrating Somerset House’s 25th anniversary, the show charts Baptiste’s thirty-year journey capturing the rhythm, rebellion, and resilience of music and youth culture.

Three Decades of Sound and Style

Spanning three rooms, the exhibition showcases portraits of The Notorious B.I.G., Ms. Dynamite, NAS, Estelle, and Roots Manuva — alongside intimate images from London’s late-90s hip-hop and dancehall scenes. Each frame vibrates with energy, attitude, and authenticity, while Baptiste’s conceptual work digs deeper into questions of self-expression, beauty, and cultural belonging.

Immersive Soundtrack and Pay-What-You-Can Entry

Visitors are guided through the exhibition by a specially curated soundtrack of DJ mixes from featured artists, transforming the space into a living archive of rhythm and identity. Entry operates on a Pay What You Can basis, making it accessible to all. Book ahead to experience a landmark exhibition that connects the past, present, and pulse of Black British creativity.

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