2015: A year of exhibitions and excitement
Whether you’re an aspiring artist or just a fan looking to widen your collection; this year’s spectrum of exhibitions will have something for you. From The Sensory War to Joseph Cornell’s Wanderlust, here are some of the exhibitions you should be gearing up to visit.
Sargent: Portraits of Artists and Friends 12th February 2015 -25th May 2015
National Portrait Gallery, London
Any art buff out there will know that John Singer Sargent is commonly referred to as the best portrait painter of his generation. Throughout Sargent’s life (1856-1925) he travelled through parts of England and America, painting many famous creative geniuses along the way including Auguste Rodin and Claude Monet. This exhibition will be the most personal look at the work of John Sargent to date.
Inventing Impressionism 4th March 2015 -21st May 2015
The National Gallery, London
This exhibition celebrates the work of Paul Durand-Ruel. Without Durand-Ruel’s support and determination, artists such as Monet, Degas, Manet, Resoir, Pissarro and Sisley, along with impressionism, may have been left behind in the 1870s. Featuring 85 diverse pieces, only one hasn’t passed through the hands of Paul Durand-Ruel. This exhibition is worth the attention of anyone who appreciates an impressionist piece.
George Morland: In the Margins 18th March 2015- 11th July 2015
The Stanley and Audrey Burton Gallery, Leeds
Through the Eyes of George Morland (1763-1805) we look at migrants and margins within his masterpieces. This exhibition will be the first dedicated to the work of Morland since 1975.
Christopher Williams: The production Line of Happiness 29th April 2015- 1st June 2015
Whitechapel Gallery, London
Christopher Williams’ contemporary photography will be making its way across from America for its first major UK exhibition. The Exhibition will be representing Williams’ 35 year career and his original take on the functionality of photography in today’s society.
British Wildlife Photography awards 1st-4th May 2015
Moors Valley, Ringwood
This exhibit will display some of the best wildlife photographs from leading UK Photographers. The British Wildlife Photography Awards were founded in 2009 and is a platform for only the best of the best.
William Hogarth: Painter and Print Maker 16th May 2015- 31st August 2015
Bristol Museum and Art Gallery
The Tate Britain will be loaning the entire William Hogarth collection to The Bristol Museum and Art Gallery for this comprehensive exhibition. Hogarth’s (1697-1764) art ranged from realist portraits to comic strip-like pieces, he himself has been credited as a pioneer in the world of sequential art.
Agnes Martin 3rd June 2015-11th October 2015
Tate Modern, London
If you love subtle contemporary art; American Artist, Agnes Martin’s, pieces are a breath of fresh air. During the 1950s and 60s she broke into the male dominated world of abstract art to produce minimal canvas’ from pencil and pale colours. Since her passing in 2004 this will be the first retrospective look at her, and her art.
Audrey Hepburn: Portraits of an Icon 2nd July 2015-18th October 2015
National Portrait Gallery, London
Unlike many of the others featured on this list, this exhibit is focussing on portraits of the icon, Audrey Hepburn. With her undeniable glamour and fame, this event will display images of her throughout her life. Anyone who admires the fashion icon, actress and humanitarian shouldn’t miss this exhibit.
Joseph Cornell: Wanderlust 4th July 2015-27th September 2015
Royal Academy Of Arts, London
Cornell’s original use of a range of materials made his art unique and recognizable. During his lifetime (1903-1972) he did not venture far out of New York, yet his art was heavily inspired by travel. To see his infamous ‘shadow boxes’ is something to tick off your bucket list.
Portraits and Identity 20th August 2015-4th October 2015
Victoria Art Gallery, Bath
This exhibit will include a beautiful collection of portrait prints created by the likes of Hogarth and Grayson Perry. The pieces will show a diverse range of portrait styles, and a contrast in how different artists identify themselves and others within their art.
The World Goes Pop 17th September 2015- 24th January 2016
The Tate Modern, London
This exhibition will display a breath-taking range of pop art from around the world. The 200 pieces gathered from across the globe were created in the 1960s and 70s, some of the pieces have never before been displayed within the UK.
Ai Weiwei 19th September 2015-13th December 2015
Royal Academy of Arts, London
Weiwei, activist and artist, has been taking the world of contemporary art by storm, his use of Chinese and western influence has helped create completely unique pieces of art. Weiwei was artistic consultant for the Beijing National Stadium at the 2008 Olympics and is highly regarded within the creative industry. He has become increasingly political in the art he produces. His unusual sculptures are as much interesting as they are beautiful.
Frank Auerbach 9th October 2015- 13th March 2016
The Tate Britain, London
The innovative and complex painting style of Frank Auerbach brings portraits and landscapes to life. The German-born British painter produces his art still today and is commonly recognized for his use of textures within his pieces. With 70 pictures and drawings the exhibit will portray the many styles of Auerbach.
Frieze London 14th-17th October 2015
London
This annual event sees masterpieces produced by thousands of contemporary artists. Not only can you buy some of these works of art you can also contribute to discussions and debates about the work; any art fans perfect day out.
Scottish Woman Artists 7th November- 1st July 2016
Scottish national Gallery of Modern Art, Edinburgh
The event will highlight the incredible work of Scottish female artists throughout history; from Catherine of the 18th century, to Anne Redpath of the 1960s. This exhibition will be presenting the well-known, infamous pieces of art along with pieces that are commonly overlooked.