‘We put our heads above the parapet’: Lubaina Himid on winning her 40-year battle to storm the Venice Biennale

In the 1980s, she had to show her work in a corridor by the ICA’s toilet. Now she’s representing Britain at the ‘art Olympics’. So is the artist feeling a bit establishment? Quite the reverse The Venice Biennale opening is just days away but Lubaina Himid isn’t in a rush. The artist, who will represent Britain at the “Olympics of art”, is at home in Preston, where there’s an air of calm.

Himid bought it, knocked down a wall between the two properties and has almost finished turning it into a studio. Works on canvas are dotted around; paintbrushes sit neatly in custom-made cabinetry. Now she’s representing Britain at the ‘art Olympics’. So is the artist feeling a bit establishment? Quite the reverse T he Venice Biennale opening is just days away but Lubaina Himid isn’t in a rush.

The artist, who will represent Britain at the “Olympics of art”, is at home in Preston, where there’s an air of calm. Himid bought it, knocked down a wall between the two properties and has almost finished turning it into a studio. Works on canvas are dotted around; paintbrushes sit neatly in custom-made cabinetry. Himid was given April off. “We had a break, so we got married,” says Himid matter-of-factly.

For much of her career, Himid existed in the margins. Now, the grand pavilion at Venice is hers. “I could smell Brexit coming.” For Himid, the question of whether or not she should represent Britain is flawed. Throughout her career, Himid has referenced makers and doers: street-sellers, seamen and servants . Now she’s representing Britain at the ‘art Olympics’.

Quite the reverse The Venice Biennale opening is just days away but Lubaina Himid isn’t in a rush. The artist, who will represent Britain at the “Olympics of art”, is at home in Preston, where there’s an air of calm. Himid bought it, knocked down a wall between the two properties and has almost finished turning it into a studio. Works on canvas are dotted around; paintbrushes sit neatly in custom-made cabinetry. ‘We put our heads above the parapet’: Lubaina Himid on winning her 40-year battle to storm the Venice Biennale