The artist interweaves past and present in his work, incorporating subjects ranging from jazz and diaspora to civil revolutions, astronomy, family roots, African and deities, which are simultaneously timeless and timely. Radcliffe Bailey’s series of work presented in cabinets encompasses mixed media artworks including various objects on paper mounted on wood. Combining photographs in sepia tones, collages, ink and gouache, Bailey creates enigmatic narratives through his paintings inviting the viewer to find a personal storyline while expressing the artist’s signature perspective. Tackling subjects of history, the Middle Passage, ancestry, race and slavery, Bailey in his sculptures, installations and paintings repeatedly refers to these historical moments through the recurrent incorporation of elements such as African art, the sea, the railway, exotic plants, fishing boats and vessels.

Between Sea and Space, incorporates elements referring to African art, nature and the sea again alluding to the history of African Americans. On the lower part of the plexiglass there is a depiction of the sea in a very dark blue. On the other half of the painting, an ethnical figurine directs the viewer’s attention towards the middle of the artwork surrounded by foliage drawings and footprints. Similarly, as for the other works in this series, the plexiglass as well as the background is ornated with geometrical forms. On the top of the painting two spike-shaped elements are directed at the ethnic figurine, giving it a threatening appearance.