A blockbuster show at Tate Britain celebrates two of the the UK’s most acclaimed artists. Born a year apart, JMW Turner (1775-1851) and John Constable (1776-1837) both pushed their art into entirely new aesthetics and left a lasting legacy in the development of British art, paving the way for the Impressionist’s movement and everything that followed.
If you’re a fan of Wes Anderson’s films then a trip to the Design Museum in Kensington is a ‘must do’ as a festive treat or a New Year resolution. This retrospective is a cracker of a show – filled with props, costumes, photographs, scripts and fragments of creativity which have gone into his 30-year career making memorable films.
By the Dawn’s Early Light – a very charming small exhibition of work by the little-known American artist Edward Austin Abbey. He was an illustrator before taking commissions for huge murals and decoration in significant places such as the Capitol House of Representatives in Washington D.C.
Wright of Derby: From the Shadows. What a terrific show at the National Gallery, London. I’ve long been an admirer of Joseph Wright’s ‘candlelight’ paintings which capture moments of interior drama, both literally and psychologically. Wonderful to see the artist’s work from 1765 – 1773 at the height of his powers.
The Story of South Asian Art at the Royal Academy shines a light on the artist Mrinalini Mucherjee, her family and fellow artists. Their work spans the the second half of the twentieth century and shows how Western art was stylistically absorbed into traditional Indian art.
Cecil Beaton’s Fashionable World – well, there is so much more to this show at the National Portrait Gallery than fashion. Glorious to see so many photographs, drawings, illustrations, sketches and creative ideas which demostrate the breadth of this remarkable man’s abilities.
Nigerian Modernism – a stimulating new show at Tate Modern – demonstrates Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage. From the close of colonial rule to the present day, this exhibition explores the work of contemporary and 20th century artists who challenged the assumed values of art, dictated by the west, and reclaimed the essence of African creativity.
Throught the eyes of Lee Miller – a sensational new retrospective at Tate Britain displays this remarkable woman’s talents as a photographer and chronicler of her time.
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