White Cube Bermondsey presents 1965: Malcolm in Winter: A Translation Exercise, a major exhibition by Theaster Gates, on view from February 7th to April 6th, 2025. Following his acclaimed Afro-Mingei exhibition at the Mori Art Museum, Gates expands his exploration of cultural intersections, this time focusing on Malcolm X’s influence in Japan.
The exhibition draws inspiration from the archive of journalist Ei Nagata and his partner, Haruhi Ishitani, who dedicated their lives to translating Malcolm X’s speeches and correspondence. Through architectural interventions, large-scale installations, and film works, Gates reinterprets their meticulous documentation, shedding light on the presence of Blackness in Japan.
Among the works featured is a series of sculptural pieces that translate the visual and ideological landscapes of revolution, integrating materials reminiscent of both Japanese craftsmanship and the Black radical tradition. Another highlight is an immersive film installation that weaves archival footage with contemporary reflections on activism and cross-cultural solidarity.
The exhibition’s preview will include a live DJ set by Ade ‘Acyde’ Odunlami, known for his deep engagement with Black diasporic music and culture. With 1965: Malcolm in Winter: A Translation Exercise, Gates continues his practice of reactivating history, offering a poignant meditation on translation, legacy, and resistance.
