An International Modernist: The Life and Sculpture of Ronald Moody (1900 – 1984) by Ego Ahaiwe Sowinski

This talk will explore the life, times and artworks of Ronald Moody (1900 – 1984), an important artist of the 20th century, both within the context of Modern British sculpture, and international art history.  Charting the development of his art practice, through highlighting his involvement in key artistic moments such as the Harlem Renaissance, the Caribbean Artists Movement (CAM) and FESTAC “77 the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture. In comparison with his peers, Edna Manley, Barbara Hepworth and Henry Moore, Moody received little recognition in Britain during his lifetime. Born in Jamaica, Moody arrived in Britain in 1923 and initially trained as a dentist but switched paths to become an artist after a revelatory visit to the British Museum  in 1928, later establishing studios in London and Paris. This talk contextualizes Moody as a complex networked figure and practitioner, presenting key artistic friendships, and influences, whilst bringing together Moody’s broader creative outputs that include poetry, writing, and broadcasting.

Ego Ahaiwe Sowinski is an artist, archivist, and Ronald Moody specialist.  She is the co-editor and contributing author of Ronald Moody: Sculpting Life (Thames & Hudson, 2024) and Mirror Reflecting Darkly The Rita Keegan Archive (Goldsmiths Press, 2021). Her writing and photography has also been included in the Feminist Review, British Art Studies journals, Tate Etc., Hyperallergic and MN Artists online platforms.  Alongside art historian Alexandra Nicome she is currently part of the archival and curatorial team for The Black Gate, a radical archival legacy project founded by Saint Paul based multidisciplinary artist Seitu K. Jones.