Turner Prize-winning artist Lubaina Himid presents Our Kisses are Petals, a solo show of new work in BALTIC’s Ground Floor gallery. As part of her exhibition at BALTIC, Himid will also present a community-focused outdoor commission.

Our Kisses are Petals originates from new paintings on cloth that employ the patterns, colours and symbolism of the Kanga, a vibrant cotton fabric traditionally worn by East African women as a shawl, head scarf, baby carrier, or wrapped around the waist. Typically, kangas consist of three parts: the pindo (border), the mji (central motif), and the jina (message or ‘name’), which often takes the form of a riddle or proverb.

Himid will also explore the role of flags in British culture through producing a major outdoor commission for Great Exhibition of the North from 22 June this year. This element of the project will be presented in tandem with a weekly programme of free public events every Sunday, including performances and community happenings. Working alongside artist Richard Bliss, Himid seeks to collaborate with and give visibility to marginalised creative communities.

Free admission.