One “Spotlight” corner features the Black Audio Film Collective, a group of sociology, psychology, and art advocates formed in 1982, that produced experimental films documenting the life of Black communities in the UK. The video “Handsworth Songs” (1986), created by John Akomfrah, Reece Auguiste, Edward George, Lina Gopaul, Avril Johnson, David Lawson, and Trevor Mathison, dramatizes the fiery riots that broke out in Handsworth, Birmingham in 1985. Harrowing images of torched buildings, looting, and intense police confrontations signaled the necessary social reforms in Britain.

Black Audio Film Collective (John Akomfrah; Reece Auguiste; Edward George; Lina Gopaul; Avril Johnson; David Lawson; Trevor Mathison), Handsworth Songs, 1986 © Smoking Dogs Films; Courtesy Smoking Dogs Films and Lisson Gallery, Tate Collection

The section, “The Great Bear: Picturing the City,” visualizes the economic recession of the early 1990s, which froze urban development and employment. Manifesting this atmosphere is Rachel Whiteread’s “A: Clapton Park Estate, Mandeville Street, London E5; Ambergate Court; Norbury Court; October 1993” (1996), a series of monochrome photographs dabbed with dreary shots of low-income apartments awaiting demolition. The scenes evoke the troubled housing policies of the Thatcher government.

Left: Wolfgang Tillmans, The Cock (kiss), 2002, © Wolfgang Tillmans, courtesy of Maureen Paley, London; Galerie Buchholz; David Zwirner, New York, Tate Collection / Right: Kate sitting, 1996 © Wolfgang Tillmans, courtesy of Maureen Paley, London; Galerie Buchholz; David Zwirner, New York, Tate Collection

The 1990s were flooded with an outpouring of magazines and advertisements dealing with liberal expressions in music, fashion, and the subculture. Many of these are shown in the section, “Everybody in the Place: Music, Subculture and Style.” Photographs, drawings, and sculptures also interpret the young generation’s desire for diverse social connections, individuality, and personal memoirs. German fine art photographer, Wolfgang Tillmans spent a great deal of time hopping between club scenes from London to Berlin to Jamaica. He has been an active supporter of peace movements and gay rights and AIDS awareness. Random photographs include “The Cock (kiss)” (2002) and “Kate sitting” (1996), featuring Kate Moss, which color the eclectic flavors of the Britpop era.

Julian Opie, Gary, Popstar, 1998-99 © Julian Opie, Tate Collection

On the same wall is “Gary, Popstar” (1998-99) by Julian Opie, who is known for simple and flat portrait photographs that transcend beyond advertising and fine art. The fictional pop icon stirs questions about the roots of one’s identity.