Gagosian Gallery is presenting a groundbreaking photography exhibition by Tyler Mitchell at its prestigious Burlington Arcade location in London. The show marks the first public display of works from "Portrait of the Modern Dandy," a compelling visual essay originally created for the catalog of "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style," the Metropolitan Museum of Art's spring 2025 Costume Institute exhibition in New York.
The exhibition runs from September 15 through October 3, 2025, and strategically coincides with the launch of Mitchell's first monograph with Aperture, titled "Wish This Was Real." The Burlington Arcade installation features not only Mitchell's photographs but also a carefully curated selection of publications that inform and expand his artistic practice.
"Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" examines the historical and cultural significance of Black fashion from the eighteenth century through contemporary expressions, with a particular focus on the concept of dandyism through the lens of the African diaspora. The exhibition demonstrates how both the displayed garments and Mitchell's accompanying photographs articulate the ways in which self-fashioning becomes a powerful form of agency, distinction, and resistance.
Mitchell himself provides insight into his creative vision for this body of work, explaining his multifaceted approach to the project. "In this visual essay, my aim was not only to depict visions of profound camaraderie, beauty, and joy—though that alone would have been a worthy pursuit—but to explore how Black individuals have appropriated and transformed classical European fashion into something uniquely our own," Mitchell notes.
The photographer's work features an intriguing mix of subjects, including professional models wearing garments from "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" alongside fabulously self-styled men dressed in vintage clothing or their own personal attire. Mitchell describes this project as "a love letter to modern Black dandyism," emphasizing the celebration and documentation of contemporary Black style and self-expression.
The portraits engage in a meaningful dialogue with established traditions of historical studio and portrait photography, while simultaneously emphasizing the symbolic power of dress and personal presentation. Mitchell's images reflect his ongoing artistic interest in constructing scenes that showcase elegance, kinship, and what he terms "Black visual sovereignty."
To celebrate both exhibitions and publications, Gagosian will host a special book signing event with the artist on Saturday, September 20, from 3 to 6 PM. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet Mitchell and obtain signed copies of both "Wish This Was Real" and the "Superfine" catalog, making this a significant cultural event for photography and fashion enthusiasts alike.
