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.
Maria Antoinette Style at the Victoria and Albert Museum is a triumph. The curators have assembled many surviving objects which were worn or used by France’s last Queen and sensitively chart the life of the child bride who evolved into a fashion icon but ended her days as a derided aristocrat executed by the guillotine at the height of the French Revolution.
Kiefer / Van Gogh – what a surprising and interesting show at the Royal Academy, London. I hadn’t realised that the German artist Anselm Kiefer was vastly inspired by the work of Vincent Van Gogh. It was fascinating to learn that, as young man, Kiefer travelled in the great artist’s footsteps, ending up in Arles, in the South of France, making sketches and paintings. He has produced great works which celebrate Vincent’s love of countryside and rural people. A small, but perfectly formed show and a good antidote to the visual excess of the Summer Exhibition which is on show in the main galleries.
The stupendous Jenny Saville retrospective at the National Portrait Gallery is a joy to view. I’ve been an admirer of her work since she first burst onto the art scene as one of the YBA’s (Young British Artists) in the 1990s with her statement huge nudes boldly painted in oils. And this exhibition shows just how her prodigious talent has evolved.
Paper Places 