London’s Powerful New Memorial: “The Wake” by Khaleb Brooks

Khaleb Brooks | The Wake
Khaleb Brooks The Wake (rendering). Source: Greater London Authority.

London has unveiled its first memorial to the victims of transatlantic slavery, designed by interdisciplinary artist and activist Khaleb Brooks. “The Wake,” a 7-meter-high bronze cowrie shell sculpture, will be installed on the banks of the River Thames in East London, demonstrating the history of the transatlantic slave trade and the resilience of its victims.

“The Wake” was chosen after a public consultation process organized by Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, and supported by the London Assembly. With the goal of building a memorial that would honor the millions of lives lost and educate the public about the long-lasting effects of the transatlantic slave trade, the competition received proposals from a broad range of artists. In the end, Brooks’ design was selected because of its rich symbolic meanings and ability to provoke thought and discussion.

The cowrie shell, central to Brooks’ design, carries deep historical significance. In West Africa, it once served as currency and became tragically linked to the transatlantic slave trade, where it was exchanged for human lives. Brooks’ sculpture reclaims this symbol, transforming it into a monument that honors African cultural identity and strength. The shell’s design also symbolizes awakening and consciousness, prompting viewers to confront the brutal realities of slavery and its enduring impact on society.

The public artwork will be installed in 2026 in West India Quay in London Docklands. The location was once a hub of international trade and housed huge warehouses where sugar from Britain’s colonies in the Caribbean and North America was stored.

Along with the public installation, satellite artworks of human-sized cowrie shells will be positioned around the city, serving as public seating and adding to the social landscape. Communities will have the chance to interact with the works by decorating the shells. There will also be artist-led workshops, readings, performances and live music as part of a greater program throughout the year.

“The Wake” has garnered widespread acclaim from cultural leaders and historians, emerging as a pivotal work in the global dialogue on public monuments and collective memory. As a significant moment in London’s cultural narrative, this memorial highlights the city’s commitment to confronting its history. It serves both as a reminder of past injustices and as a focal point for education and reflection, fostering future healing and reconciliation while calling for a more just and equitable society.

The Groucho Club | London

Groucho Club Under Investigation, Doors Closed

The Groucho Club in London, a Soho private members club known for its star-studded history and hedonistic reputation, has been temporarily closed as police investigate a “serious crime” allegedly linked to a breach of its licensing conditions. Since its establishment in 1985, the Groucho Club has stood as a bold departure from traditional gentlemen’s clubs.

Read more »
Lygia Clark | Rede de Elásticos - Elastic Net (1973) | Whitechapel Gallery

Lygia Clark and Sonia Boyce at the Whitechapel Gallery: Play, Participation, and Cultural Dialogue

Lygia Clark: The I and the You and Sonia Boyce: An Awkward Relation at the Whitechapel Gallery embrace the ethos of collective engagement by exploring how participatory art transforms the relationship between artist, audience, and artwork. This bold curatorial pairing highlights shared themes of touch and play while bridging two distinct cultural and historical contexts.

Read more »
Pamela Phatsimo Sunstrum | It Will End in Tears | Barbican

Pamela Phatsimo Sunstrum at the Barbican: Exploring Colonialism and Identity through Cinematic Storytelling

It Will End in Tears at the Barbican presents a hauntingly immersive journey framed by minimalist “film sets” reminiscent of noir cinema. With influences from Hitchcock to Bessie Head, Pamela Phatsimo Sunstrum’s visual storytelling delves into the complexities of identity, colonial legacies, and self-determination. Collaborating with set designer Remco Osório Lobato, Sunstrum creates minimalist, skeletal film

Read more »
Be the First
to Know
Sign up to receive the latest art world news and insights, updates about our artists and exhibitions, and
much more.

Contact us

Fill in the form below to inquire about this artwork.

Join our newsletter and grab your free copy of Best Exhibitions Around the World in 2025.

Plus, continue to stay updated on the contemporary art world through a weekly digest of headlines and our own new articles!