Joy Gregory: Catching Flies with Honey

This stunning exhibition catalog offers a groundbreaking retrospective of Joy Gregory’s four-decade career, providing an in-depth exploration of her contributions to contemporary art.

Generously illustrated with 200 color images, this book presents a comprehensive collection of Gregory’s most iconic works, alongside rarely seen and newly commissioned pieces. Organized to coincide with a major retrospective exhibition at London’s Whitechapel Gallery, the catalog spans her career, from her early analogue photography to her innovative use of digital media, video, textiles, and installation.

Gregory’s approach to art is characterized by a striking ability to catch flies with honey--to engage with complex and often difficult topics such as post-colonialism, beauty, and identity through works that captivate with their nuance and visual allure. Her use of beauty and craftsmanship draws viewers into deeper contemplation of histories of the transatlantic slave trade, language endangerment, and the diasporic experience.

Insightful essays by leading scholars explore these themes and situate Gregory’s work within the broader context of contemporary British and international art. A thought-provoking conversation with Deborah Willis delves into the importance of archives in preserving marginalized histories.

Perfect for those interested in contemporary art, photography, and the intersection of culture, activism, and identity, this monograph is both a visual treasure and a vital resource for understanding Joy Gregory’s profound influence on the cultural landscape.

GILANE TAWADROS is Director of the Whitechapel Gallery, London, and former founding Director of Iniva (Institute of International Visual Arts).