L u b a i n a H i m i d

Lubaina Himid is a Zanzibar-born, Preston-based artist and cultural activist who rose to prominence in the 1980s as a key figure in the British Black Arts Movement. Her work challenges the marginalisation of the African diaspora in British culture, advocating for the visibility of Black artists and women of colour.

Working across painting, installation, and assemblage, Himid explores the legacies of empire while centring Black narratives. Alongside her artistic practice, she has curated influential exhibitions, including The Thin Black Line at the Institute of Contemporary Arts, helping to create space for underrepresented voices in contemporary art.

Her works feature in the collections of numerous public and private institutions, including Tate; the Victoria & Albert Museum; and Museum Ludwig, Cologne. Himid has won The Turner Prize in 2017 and is representing the UK in the 61st Venice Biennale. 

George in his Studio

L e m o n L i f e

Edition of 10 plus 3 AP

Hand Made and painted Ceramics

L47 x H 33 x W 33 cm 

£5,000 inc. VAT

Lemon Life is the result of a unique collaboration between the artist Lubaina Himid and The Art and Design Group.

Designed by the artist and realised by hand by a skilled ceramist in Glasgow, the tureen is a functional object, meant to be used, handled, and enjoyed as part of daily domestic rituals. With its sculpted lemon handle, the tureen carries subtle references to themes of trade, resilience, and cultural exchange, ideas that permeate Lubaina’s work. With its familiar form and rich glazes drawn from the artist’s distinctive palette, the tureen becomes an object woven into the rhythm of daily life. Lubaina’s work is often infused with irony and wit, and she has chosen to name this edition Lemon Life, a playful nod to the well-known phrase, 'When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.' The name reflects a sense of optimism in the face of adversity, a theme that resonates throughout the artist’s practice.

A celebration of craft and practicality, Lemon Life captures the spirit of both resilience and humour that defines this collaboration.

We recommend washing the piece by hand. Gently scrub with a soft sponge or cloth using warm water and mild soap. Avoid using abrasive scrubbers or harsh chemicals, which can damage the glaze.

The tureen fresh from the kiln at the ceramist’s studio in Glasgow

Lemon Life at Hollybush Garden Gallery

R e c e n t e x h i b i t i o n s a n d h i g h l i g h t s

Portrait of Lubaina Himid by Adama Jalloh

Portrait of Lubaina Himid by Adama Jalloh

LUBAINA HIMID will represent the UK in 61st Venice Biennale

Lubaina Himid with Magda Stawarska: Another Chance Encounter

Lubaina Himid with Magda Stawarska: Another Chance Encounter, Kettle’s Yard, 2025

Make, Do and Mend, FLAG New York, 2024

Make, Do and Mend, FLAG New York, 2024-2025

Lubaina Himid, installation view, UCCA, Beijing, 2025.

 

Lubaina Himid and Magda Stawarska: Plaited Time / Deep Water

Sharjah Art Foundation, UAE

29 October 2023 – 28 January 2024

Make, Do and Mend, installation view. The Contemporary Austin, 2024

Make, Do and Mend, installation view. The Contemporary Austin, 2024

Recent exhibitions and highlights

 

So Many Dreams at Musée Cantonal des Beaux-Arts, Lausanne, Switzerland