Belly of the Beast: Handsworth 1985
Description
The pioneering installation, Belly of the Beast: Handsworth 1985, re – evaluates a collection of 35mm photographs from the OOM Gallery Archive, including film slides and a number of carefully curated artefacts from the extensive archives and collection of West Midlands Police Museum. This consolidation of material reframes the significance of the 1985 uprisings, allowing new perspectives, interpretations and modifying how the subject matter is analysed.
“Belly of the Beast” is an expression referring to being at the epicentre of a confrontational, menacing, intimidating or highly challenging situation. Originating from the biblical story of Jonah, who after disobeying a command from God was thrown from a ship and spent three days and nights inside the stomach of a great fish. This space became a liquefied mausoleum and Jonah’s location for repentance and salvation.
Decades have passed, memories linger and people still ask the question “how could a tiny spark turn into such a gigantic flame?”
BELLY OF THE BEAST: Handsworth 1985
Pogus Caesar
On display 18 March – 18 September 2026
Free entry to the exhibition: Tuesday 7th April
