Rise and fall of the Empire: British art examines its conscience. The Royal Academy of London compares paintings from the colonial era with contemporary works that provide a critical side to that imagery.
The result is a brave self-criticism about the links of this institution with imperialism. The exhibition suggests, but never underlines, and exemplifies its ideas through art and not with theoretical harangues on its walls. It is not about recalibrating the canon in a cosmetic way, but rather about confronting the official story with the critical narratives typical of any somewhat healthy post-imperial society.