The Black Editorial ™
The Black Editorial ™
Disrupting the Narrative: Mark Anthony Brushes with Truth
April 2025
Mark Anthony centered around his paintings of his latest collection, using unconventional materials to showcase his truth.
To Be British Is Not To Be English
British/Caribbean contemporary artist Exhibit69 (Mark Anthony) is best known for his striking Pop Art paintings and wearable art pieces. Real and fictional characters are utilized alongside cultural references to tell stories and provide social and satirical commentary to evoke emotion and dialogue. Exhibit69 has received funding from the Arts Council England for his second solo exhibition, sold out wearable pieces in Nordstrom USA, and has featured in notable popular culture magazines and news publications in the UK and abroad. Exhibit69 is currently based in Tower Bridge where he shares a studio with his partner The SheJay.
Breaking Boundaries & Artistic Identity
The studio hums with energy, the scent of paint mingling with the low hum of music in the background. Exhibit69 moves methodically, as his brush glides across the canvas, he reflects on his journey and the ethos behind his work.
Your work defies traditional structures and artistic norms. What initially inspired you to push against the conventional boundaries of art?
“The art world is traditionally elitist. I would attend galleries and museums in the UK post-COVID, and see little or no representation of my culture. If I did, it would be created by others outside of my culture, which I found alarming. The African art scene was exploding, but as a man with Caribbean heritage, I wasn't permitted to join. Feeling isolated, I leaned into creating from my vantage point, amalgamating my experiences of being a part of subcultures from infancy from America to the UK that incorporated music and style. I wanted to offer an alternative to what was on the market and offer a voice to those who didn't feel seen.”
How has being based in London shaped your artistic approach? Does the city’s contrasts—historic yet modern, polished yet raw—influence your creative process?
“I was born in South London, but my adolescence was spent on the American East Coast during the Reagan Era. My parents owned an art gallery, and I witnessed firsthand the birth of Hip Hop and MTV. I was obsessed with the style of various genres of music and the glossy pages of fashion editorials.
Returning to South London in the early 90s, I noticed immediately that Black culture in the creative field was not celebrated with the same vigor as our European counterparts. Despite our impact, there appeared to be a one-in, one-out policy, with no infrastructure in place for us to thrive. There was no internet or major outlets to promote our expression or contribution, with success stories far and few between.
This encouraged me to lean into my Jamaican heritage to figure things out on underground scenes like pirate radio, house parties, and all-dayers (also known as day parties). England is a conservative nation. I was drawn to badman and punk culture as they rejected the rulebook set for them. I soon found myself going against the grain, expressing myself through my taste level in music and fashion influenced by older family members and my new environment. I never viewed this as a career path. I used to be ridiculed for the same thing I'm now being celebrated for. England contributed to my hustler spirit, which I will forever be grateful for as I've seen this place devour many dreams and ambitions.”
Exhibit69 shown with 1-800-Hustler (dimensions: 120 x 100cm) and Out & Stunting" (dimensions: 120 x 100cm).
Walk us through your creative process. Do you start with a concept in mind, or does the piece evolve as you build it?
“I found that my earlier series of works were conceptual, telling stories about my culture. I knew that it wouldn't be celebrated in England as my target audience was not based in the UK. I was aware of the subtle whitewashing happening through fashion and music. As art is most profitable and valuable, I knew it would take patience to establish impact.
I create from an authentic place. Jesus was rebranded. Same as the Royal Family. I believed that it was my duty to create visual artifacts that could stand the test of time or our history could be re-written. That mindset of trying to be seen and painting from a place of trauma has had effects on my mental health.
Due to this, the series I'm working on is more commercial and playful, with satirical undertones. When you grow and develop in challenging surroundings, it can make you view the world differently, which can add an ironic element to storytelling. I want to bring joy to the world, but also timestamp the work through subtle inclusions shown in the pieces.”
Social Commentary & Impact
Your pieces seem to challenge not just artistic conventions but societal narratives as well. How do the materials you use reflect the deeper messages behind your work?
“As I have matured, I have come to realize that humans consume too much. I'm no environmentalist, but it cannot be denied that we are damaging the earth we inhabit, so I try my best to make a difference.
Historically, I have used many vintage jackets to paint on. I have also utilized reclaimed pieces of perspex that were used for social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic. I have painted on vintage Renaissance pieces that were being discarded to give them a new life. Growing up without much money and leaving home at 16, I learned to become resourceful. It's one of the major cultural gifts I received and added to my practice.”
The room fills with the rhythmic strokes of his brush, colors layering over old textures, giving them new life. His voice, carrying the weight of experience, delivers words that are both reflective and firm.
Do you see your art as a form of rebellion, a social critique, or simply an alternative perspective?
“Growing up in the UK, I felt like I never had a voice. In my community, I did not fit the norm, yet I could hold my own in various social groups. I could adapt whilst maintaining my authentic self. At the age of 12, my mother, who has recently passed, advised me to embrace different cultures, and my father has always advised that I stay abreast of current affairs.
Being the victim of police brutality and experiencing discrimination and extreme racism from a young age and being ostracized from opportunities afforded to others brought out a rebellious nature. The rules were not created for me to thrive, so why would I adhere to them and expect success?
I decided to approach life differently, stand on the shoulders of giants, and take risks to write my own story. I cannot say it's a life that I voluntarily chose. I feel that due to my mental health challenges, my survival depended on it. Due to this, people have labeled me and my approach to my work as rebellious.”
As he speaks, the stories of his past seem to weave into the artwork around him. Each stroke of paint, each texture, each repurposed material holds a fragment of his journey.
Prints created by Exhibit69. Available for sale.
‘Being Poor is Expensive’ & ‘Let It Snow’
These works seem to comment on socio-economic disparities. Can you share the deeper meaning behind them and the emotions that fueled their creation?
“Being Poor is Expensive is an incredible album. Bashy is a talented, grounded and amazing person that cares. We connected over creativity. I Presented my works to him and he played me his aforementioned album before release, to which I informed him it would be impactful. He later invited me to be a part of the exhibit. I spoke and spent time with him and his team, which assisted me in creating a body of work to choose the final print from. I designed 5 pound coins in color which represents power. It is what stands out on the backdrop of a muted Union Jack flag, which represents Black Britain. I feel that our existence and contributions have been historically muted and we are only seen and tolerated when we have money. This reality has encouraged many to make risky choices with fatal consequences. ”
Have you ever received strong reactions—positive or controversial—toward your work? How do these responses shape your future projects?
“I read a quote many years ago by Cesar A. Cruz that “Art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable. ” I have always been drawn to taboo subjects. My mother, Angela Ferguson was very liberal. Very direct and ballsy. Her directness frightened others. I noted that people didn't fuck with her. In which I adopted that as a part of my personality which spilled into my work. I recall painting a Black Jesus piece and watching people from other cultures refuse to engage with it. I actually shed a tear from across the room, as the truth appeared to disgust people. If a picture of the depiction of Christ could cause offense, I could only imagine how my very being would be viewed. That experience made me paint safe for a short duration until my dear friend Sebastian informed me to be myself. He reminded me of who I am, and my power which kickstarted me in developing my latest series of work which I am finding solace in, as I get to tell the truth but in a fun and jestful manner. ”
The Future of Unconventional Art
How do you navigate the art world as someone who creates outside the norm? Do you find it challenging to fit into the traditional gallery or collector scene?
“Just like any other discipline or profession, the art world can be challenging as there are so many caveats that must be met to achieve success. I feel that it's less about the work created and more about social media following, marketing and proximity. When I started to study the business element of the art world, I realized that I wanted to challenge it, adopting various strategies and transferable skills learned from previous roles outside of the art world that I inhabited. I noticed that many galleries utilized Black culture for activations to provide shows with an edge to offer experiences opposed to the traditional way of showing work. I realized that with patience and determination, I could achieve things on my own terms, leveraging various skill sets to obtain my objectives.
Basically, if you are able to make yourself hot, you can create your own value which appeals to certain galleries so that they can tap into your market, and you in turn can tap into their collectors and client base.
Evolution is key to everything, especially if you seek longevity in an often saturated market. I study different creative fields, human psychology and behavioral patterns to create opportunities to maximize impact. I immerse myself in different cultures and experiences, evaluating the past which can assist in dictating future trends. The art market is similar to the stock market and I feel that it's beneficial to understand how things work than to be blindsided by ego and left behind. ”
If you could look 10 years ahead, how do you see your work evolving?
“I have always been interested in sculpture, furniture, and engineering as I have used these objects as a canvas to create on. I have ambitions to further expound upon these ideas to challenge myself so I can grow. I believe that it's imperative to build an authentic community, meet people who challenge ideas, share information, and collaborate if synergy aligns, as it promotes personal growth, which expands the palette of your practice.”
For artists who feel constrained by conventional expectations, what advice would you give them about staying true to their vision?
“I feel artists and creative individuals should create from the heart. Consider what it is you are trying to convey and find your own voice. I believe that it is imperative to be patient with yourself, learn the business and be prepared to pivot. It is important to block out all of the noise, take risks and enjoy the journey. Create the best work that you can, as the work that you create could stand the test of time. Be true to yourself and be mindful of the difference between influence and straight copying. If everyone is doing the same thing, where is the fun in that?”
The walls of Exhibit69 hold more than just artwork they hold conversations, perspectives, and a deep, evolving narrative of an artist who refuses to conform. As Exhibit69 puts down his brush, his vision lingers in the space, speaking long after the colors have dried.
Mark Anthony - Exhibit69
In this story: Photographer, Joe Hawk Murphy.
Exhibit69’s latest works celebrate the rich cultural legacy of dance, music, and style within Caribbean and UK sound system culture. From the electrifying energy of dancehall moves and the vibrant social scenes of parties and carnivals, these pieces capture the rhythm, rebellion, and resilience of these spaces.
unmuted
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