Le Grande Guerre: French prints of the First World War
An exhibition focusing on the first seven months of the war via 36 colour lithographs and woodcuts from the print series La Grande Guerre. Dramatic illustrations are provided via the action scenes of battle, sieges, air strikes, juxtaposed by moments of repose of commemoration, award ceremonies and times of prayer. Arranged in chronological order, visitors may experience a re-telling of events from the French perspective.
The pieces will be showcased from 20th May to 28th September 2014 at Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge. www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk
Malte Sartorius: The Venice Etchings Part II
The exhibition shows a side of Venice usually unrepresented in artistic work: the city as experienced by Venetians themselves, every day all year round.
The exhibition also features a selection of Sartorius’ original pencil drawings of Venetian subjects alongside his famous etchings.
The exhibition is taking place from 20th May to 19th June 2014 at Francis Kyle Gallery, 9 Maddox Street, London, W1S 2QE. www.franciskylegallery.com
Leo Davy: Early Works 1950-1963.
This second part exhibition outlines Davy’s artistic progression from the avant-garde nature of his Gimpel Fils era, through to the early 60’s. The exhibition focuses on Davy’s abstract panel paintings and works on paper, his thick angular brushwork and blocks of colour emulate the development of abstraction as a broader movement. Davy’s work engages in the wider contextual dialogue between Europe and the United States, creating works of immense expressive value.
The exhibition will be held from the 22nd May until the 28th of June at The Piano Nobile, 129 Portland Road, London, W11 4LW. http://www.piano-nobile.com/
Prix Pictet Global Photography Exhibition at the V&A
Centred on the theme of ‘consumption’ this exhibition showcases seventy short listed works by eleven leading international photographers. The winning photographer will receive 100,000 swiss francs and will be announced on the 21st of May by Kofi Annan.
All of the competition entries will be showcased at the V & A, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 2RL, from the 22nd of May until the 14th of June. http://www.vam.ac.uk/
Words: A Solo Exhibition by Helen Kirwan- Taylor
This solo exhibition is the first gallery showcasing of journalist turned artist Helen Kirwan-Taylor’s work. On show are thirty word sculptures and limited edition prints. Through her eccentric use of materials Helen Kirwarn- Taylor seeks to express her life long fascination concerning the meaning of every day language.
The exhibition will take place between the 22nd of May and the 23rd of June 2014 at the Themes & Variations gallery, 231 Westborne Grove, London, W11 2SE.
http://www.themesandvariations.com/
Cecil Beaton at Home: Ashcombe & Reddish
Part of Salisbury Museum’s series of exhibitions examining the link between prominent British artists and their locality. The exhibition provides unprecedented insight into the interior life and inspirations of Beaton via unseen photographs, furniture, possessions and art from both homes. Highlights include the “Circus Bed” complete with mystical creatures of unicorns, sea horses and Neptune. A more sombre tone is to be had by the left-handed sketches Beaton produced post-stroke, revealing a vulnerable yet determined side to the talented public figure.
Salisbury Museum, Salisbury, Wiltshire, UK from 23rd May to 19th September 2014.
Ben Henriques: Wilderness Paintings
This exhibition features 18 plein air paintings inspired by the artist’s surroundings in west coast Scotland. He achieves his aim of an “autobiographical record of visual experience” via the layering of oil paint on canvas, bringing to life the physicality of the natural world around him by emulating the weight and texture of the landscape.
The exhibition will be held from the 22nd of May until the 7th of June 2014 at Park Walk Gallery, 20 Park Walk, London, SW10 0AQ. http://www.jonathancooper.co.uk
Still Life and Interiors
This biannual exhibition The Jerram Gallery will be showcasing still life paintings by fifteen reputable British artists. The exhibition offers a huge range in artistic style and will feature works by the likes of Scottish mural designer Charles Anderson as well as artists such as Ann Armitage and Emma Dunbar. All pieces on exhibit will be available to view online in early May, with prices ranging between £750 to £3,500. The exhibition will run from the 24th of May to the 11th of June 2014 at
The Jerram Gallery, Half Moon Street, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3LN. http://www.jerramgallery.com/
Spencer Finch: The Skies can’t keep their secret
The Turner Contemporary’s North Gallery will be showcasing the first solo exhibition of American artist Spencer Finch’s work in an English gallery for over 5 years. Finch is revered for his innovative use of light and colour to create large structures with a contemporary and emotionally charged nature. This exhibition showcases Finch’s recent work reflecting on the changing coastal light of Margate and other sites where he experiments in the dynamic between representation and abstraction
The Exhibition will take place from the 24th of May to the 21st of September 2014 at The Turner Contemporary Gallery, Rendezvous, Margate, Kent, CT9 1HG. http://www.turnercontemporary.org/
Ai WeiWei: Forever
The Lisson Gallery hosts its third solo exhibition of the Chinese artist and cultural innovator Ai WeiWei. His new installation of bicycles is part of his ongoing series entitled ‘Forever’. Also featured in this series are various objects created or recast using different materials; the objects are thought to be expressions of his personal life and artistic influences. WeiWei serves as an example as an artist struggling against conformist artistic and social norms most notably in his native China. His works subtly address issues such as pollution and mass production in an unconventional and challenging manner.
The exhibition will run from the 23rd of May to July the 12th 2014 at The Lisson Gallery, 52-54 Bell Street, London, NW1 5DA. http://www.lissongallery.com/
Kenneth Clark: Looking for Civilisation
This exhibition examines the extensive patronage and artistic involvement of one of the most influential artistic figures in British art of the 20th century, Kenneth Clark. Focussing primarily on Clark’s activities as a key promoter of British art in the 1930s and 40s as well as his role as a broadcaster and public servant. As well as drawing on Clark’s interest in the promotion of modern British art, on show are around 200 objects of his eclectic personal collection. Including works of leading figures such as Henry Moore, drawings by Leonardo da Vinci, and paintings by the likes of Degas and Cezanne.
The exhibition will be open from the 20th of May until the 10th of August 2014, at the Tate Britain, Level 2 Galleries, Millbank, London, SW1P 4RG; http://www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-britain
A Dorset Woman at War: Mabel Stobart and the Retreat from Serbia 1915.
An exhibition commemorating a centenary since the start of World War I. On exhibit are unique photographs providing an exceptional account of Mary St Clair Stobart and her involvement in the retreat of the Serbian army in 1915. Stobart’s graphic photographs provide a unique and honest narrative of the war.
The exhibition opens on Saturday 31 May and runs until 15 November 2014 at The Dorset County Museum, High West Street, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1XA. www.dorsetcountymuseum.org
Richard Deacon and Bill Woodrow – a collaboration between the two sculptors, showing a series of their shared sculptures, fabricated entirely from glass using a variety of different techniques.
At New Art Centre, Roche Court, East Winterslow, Salisbury, Wilts 31 May to 6 Jul. www.sculpture.uk.com
Joseph Walsh, Johannes Nagel and Daniel Naude – furntiture designed by Walsh filling the entire height of the Artists House; shown with ceramics by Nagel and Naude’s photographs of the animals and landscape of South Africa.
At New Art Centre, Roche Court, East Winterslow, Salisbury, Wilts 31 May to 6 Jul. www.sculpture.uk.com
Edward Lear in Greece – A collection of watercolours by Edward Lear examining his enchanting depictions of Greek landscapes.
At Scottish National Gallery, Edinburgh until 8 June. www.nationalgalleries.org
The Shape of Things: Three Decades of British Modernist Sculpture, at The Daniel Katz Gallery, London W1J from 4 June- 18 July. www.katz.co.uk
Gustav Metzger: Lift Off!
A new insight into the artistic mingling of science and culture in the world of Metzger. Bringing together film, archive, sculpture and installations, this exhibition hones in on the less known element of Metzger’s practice: auto-creative process driven work. On loan from the Tate is the landmark piece Liquid Crystal Environment (1965, 2005), featuring alongside new works unseen before.
This showcase of creative experimentation is being held at Kettler’s Yard, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB3 0AQ from the 24th of May to 31st August 2014. www.kettlesyard.co.uk
Robbie Wraith
A demonstration of the depth of Wraith’s technique and his interest in the individual. Featuring 61 portraits with numerous models, Wraith demonstrates his ability to adapt technically to each subject and depict her with unwavering sincerity.
Wraith’s collection may be viewed at Messum’s, 8 Cork Street, London, W1S 3LJ from 28th May to 22nd June 2014.
A June exhibition of contemporary seascape paintings by Devon artist Colleen Cullen, whose seascapes capture the beauty and light of the sea.
Echo Beach Gallery, 4 Broad Street, Ilfracombe, North Devon until 15th June. www.echobeachgallery.co.uk
Sean Scully Encounters: A New Master among Old Masters
A chance to view 11 paintings and 33 prints from the “greatest living abstract painter”, featuring his world-famous visual language of strips and blocks. Curators Thalmann and Grovier have presented Scully’s work in close juxtaposition to 16th century pieces from the Christ Church collection. As a first visit to Oxford, this exhibition promises to be special.
Running from 30th May to 31st August 2014 at Christ Church Picture Gallery, Christ Church, Oxford, OX1 1DP. www.chch.ox.ac.uk/gallery
The Newcastle Connection: Selected works from the Permanent Collection
A small selection of works from the University’s collection aiming to show the impressive role of Newcastle in the artistic life of Britain. The exhibition features works of Victor Pasmore, Ian Stephenson, Kenneth Rowntree, Anthony Eyton, RichardKid and Sean Scully and will be held at the University Gallery, Newcastle Upon Tyne from 30th May to 4th July 2014.
Sporting and Wildlife 2014
A collection of sporting painting and animals in art for sale ranging from the 1700s to contemporary times. From 3rd to 22nd June 2014.
Rountree Tryon Galleries, 7 Bury Street, St James’, London, SW1Y 6AL www.rountreetryon.com
Natural Order
Featuring work by Sue Arrowsmith, Natasha Daintry, Jonathan Delafield Cook, Susan Derges, Awoiska van der Molen, Jorma Puranen, Peter Randall Page. From 6th June to 5th July 2014.
Purdy Hicks Gallery, 65 Hopton Street, Bankside, London, SE1 9GZ www.purdyhicks.com
On Form: Sculpture in Stone
The only sculpture exhibition dedicated solely to works in stone from 30 of the most established sculptors in circulation. The showcase will feature more than 200 works in the gardens of Asthall Manor where visitors are encouraged to participate with a “please do touch” policy.
This exhibition will run from 8th June to 6th July 2014 at Asthall Manor, Burford, Oxfordshire, OX18 4HW. www.onformsculpture.co.uk
Gems of Chinese Painting: a voyage along the Yangzi River
An exploration of the beauty of south-east China, focusing on the culturally prosperous Jiangnan region. The paintings and ceramics featured range from the 6th to 19th centuries, attempting to mirror the diversity of the Jiangnan inhabitants. The exhibition centrepiece is the Adomonitions Scroll combining the Chinese three arts; calligraphy, poetry and painting – a sight which is rarely seen due to its fragility.
At the British Museum from April to 31st Augus; www.britishmuseum.org.
Nasreen Mohamedi
This exhibition showcases the development of Mohamedi’s abstraction and an attempt to reveal relationships between her work and perception of the world. Phases of her practice will be highlighted from the semi-abstract work of the 1960s to her photography.
Mohamedi’s work will be showcased alongside complementary work from Mondrian and his Studios.
From 6th June to 5th October 2014 at the Tate Liverpool.
CLOSING SOON
Annie Kevans: Women and the History of Art. Kevans presents her new body of work in an exhibition that centres on women in art history, who were once part of the art world and whose history and significance have been gradually eroded and ultimately forgotten to a modern audience.
At the Fine Art Society, 148 New Bond Street, , London, W1 from 14th May – 6th June. http://www.faslondon.com/fine_art_society_contemporary/home.html
Stanley Spencer: Heaven in a Hell of War – the National Trust brings the UK’s ‘Sistine Chapel’ to London to commemorate the outbreak of the First World War. Spencer’s large scale canvases have left their permanent home at the Sandham Memorial Chapel and come to the Pallant House Gallery, Chichester from 15 Feb to June. www.pallant.org.uk
Ben Henriques: Wilderness Paintings This exhibition features 18 plein air paintings inspired by the artist’s surroundings in west coast Scotland. He achieves his aim of an “autobiographical record of visual experience” via the layering of oil paint on canvas, bringing to life the physicality of the natural world around him by emulating the weight and texture of the landscape.
The exhibition will be held from the 22nd of May until the 7th of June 2014 at Park Walk Gallery, 20 Park Walk, London, SW10 0AQ. http://www.jonathancooper.co.uk
Sol LeWitt, Wall Drawing #1136. Work by the prolific and influential American artist will be presented in the gallery’s Clore Learning Studio. The work is one of a number of vibrant drawings LeWitt made in the last years of his life with its curved and vertical bands of brightly coloured acrylic paint applied by hand directly onto the walls, creating a dazzling environment surrounding the viewer.
At Turner Contemporary, Rendezvous, Margate, CT9 1HG from 3 December 2013 – 8 June 2014. www.turnercontemporary.org
Renaissance Impressions: Chiaroscuro woodcuts from the collections of Georg Baselitz and the Albertina, Vienna – over 100 works illustrate this revolutionary yet short-lived printing technique that was used to create the first colour prints that make dramatic use of light and dark. Includes works by German artists Hans Burgkmaier and Lucas Cranach, who are believed to have pioneered the technique in 1508, as well as works by their contemporaries in France, Italy and the Netherlands.
At the Royal Academy of Arts, Burlington House, Piccadilly, London W1 until 8 June. www.royalacademy.org.uk
Essex House Press types: C R Ashbee and his circle. The 90 or so books published by the Essex House Press clearly reflect Ashbee’s interests and friendships; he saw his work as a direct descent from the writings and example of John Ruskin and William Morris and many of the books printed emphasise this link, as well as illustrating the highlights, as he saw them, of British literature and poetry and promoting the established church.
At Court Barn Museum, Church Street, Chipping Campden, Gloucs 21 Mar- 8 June. www.courtbarn.org.uk
London’s Growing…Up! – An exploration into the rise of London’s skyline through images, video, models, CGI and visitor interaction at NLA, The Building Centre, 26 Store Street, London WC1E 7BT until 12 June. http://www.newlondonarchitecture.org/
Art and Life: Ben Nicholson, Winifred Nicholson, Christopher Wood, Alfred Wallis, William Staite Murray, 1920-1931
Curated by Ben and Winifred’s grandson Jovan, this exhibition focuses on the couple’s vast contributions to the Modern British movement and their influences. Over eighty works (including paintings, works on paper and ceramics) are being showcased to the public.
Taking place from 4th June to 21st September 2014 at Dulwich Picture Gallery, Southwark, Greater London, SE21 7AD; www.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk
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