A monumental exhibition, ‘We Are Here’, explores the multifaceted nature of Black experiences through 100 years of figurative painting, showcasing everyday joy and defying stereotypical narratives of Blackness. This exhibition, originally conceived by the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, Cape Town, and now on display at the Kunstmuseum Basel, Switzerland, features over 150 works by prominent and emerging artists, offering a vibrant panorama of Black artistry.
French artist Ben, renowned for his painted slogans, died by suicide at age 88, hours after the passing of his wife. Ben, also known as Ben Vautier, was a proponent of blurring the line between art and everyday life, with his work appearing on a wide range of objects. His distinctive cursive script and provocative slogans, such as ‘What is the use of art?’ and ‘What are you doing here?’, left an enduring mark on the art world.
Flora Yukhnovich, a British artist, has gained recognition for her unique reinterpretation of rococo masterpieces. Inspired by Jean-Honoré Fragonard’s “The Swing,” Yukhnovich’s work challenges traditional notions of femininity and explores the relationship between art and fashion. Her paintings, combining elements of figurative and abstract art, have garnered critical acclaim and broken auction records, fetching millions of pounds. Despite her success, Yukhnovich maintains a solitary focus, immersing herself in her work and eschewing personal narratives. Her upcoming installation at the Wallace Collection, responding to François Boucher’s pastorals, marks a turning point for both the artist and the institution.
The ninth edition of the Biennale Gherdeina, an international contemporary art exhibition, will take place in the stunning Val Gardena region of the Italian Alps this summer. Over 30 artists and collectives will engage with the local landscape, exploring the theme of ‘The Parliament of Marmots’ and its connection to the legendary Fanes people. Through various formats, including new commissions, performances, and collaborations, the exhibition aims to create a multicultural dialogue and foster a deeper understanding of the relationship between art, nature, and culture.
Agnieszka Kurant’s “Risk Landscape” exhibition at Mudam Luxembourg delves into the concept of the future as a speculative element. Featuring five new projects and recent pieces, Kurant examines the role of technology, nature, and society in shaping the unpredictable evolution of life. The exhibition invites visitors to question the limitations of Artificial Intelligence in forecasting complex developments and envision alternative futures influenced by various worldviews.
Lift Gallery in Riyadh is currently presenting the Middle/South exhibition, which showcases the work of South African contemporary painter Frans Smit. Smit’s reimagined interpretations of Dutch old masters and Renaissance works, using a blend of traditional and modern painting techniques, offer a fresh perspective on these classic pieces. The exhibition, curated by Victoria Nasser, invites viewers to contemplate contemporary society and its art sphere. Smit’s portraits of prominent Saudi figures, rendered in hues reminiscent of the Middle Eastern landscape, highlight the distinctiveness of Saudi culture and pay tribute to those who have shaped its traditions. The gallery’s mission, as stated by its founder Princess Nouf Bint Abdulaziz AlSaud, is to collaborate with global artists and promote Saudi culture internationally through art.
The 60th La Biennale di Venezia marked the return of the Philippines to the prestigious art exhibition, showcasing the country’s national pavilion curated by Carlos Quijon Jr. and artist Mark Salvatus, entitled “Sa kabila ng tabing lamang sa panahong ito/Waiting just behind the curtain of this age.” Inspired by the enigmatic figure of Hermano Puli, a lay priest and mystic who led pilgrimages on the slopes of Mt. Banahaw, the pavilion transported visitors to the mystical atmosphere of the mountain, featuring large fiberglass boulders draped in white curtains, a soundscape capturing the natural music of the mountains, and brass instruments protruding from the rocks like mutant plants. Salvatus’s work aimed to reflect the entanglement of imagination, beliefs, and persistence of Filipinos, echoing Puli’s unfinished revolution and the country’s resilience in rebuilding its pavilions after a long absence from the Biennale.
The Philippe Bettan Gallery in Lyon, France presents an exhibition showcasing the captivating works of Iranian painter Elham Etemadi. Etemadi’s paintings draw inspiration from her homeland’s vibrant colors and traditional markets, reflecting her subconscious connection to its culture and events. Her layered techniques and dynamic compositions explore themes of identity, storytelling, and the influence of her Persian heritage.
Samantha Moyer and Eddie Martinez, a married couple, are both visual artists showcasing their distinct styles in solo exhibitions at the Parrish Art Museum. Moyer’s large-scale stone sculptures and sculptural paintings blend abstract and figurative elements, creating a precise and classical presence. Martinez’s energetic paintings, often incorporating collage, exude a spontaneous and whimsical quality reminiscent of Abstract Expressionism and Philip Guston’s playful figuration. Their works reflect their individual artistic journeys shaped by their nomadic backgrounds and personal experiences.
Mandarin Oriental, Shenzhen has announced a collaboration with leading Chinese contemporary photographer and visual artist Chen Man to showcase a curated collection of her photographs in the hotel’s LIAN Lounge. Following an exclusive dinner at The Gallery celebrating Chen Man’s inaugural exhibition at the Shenzhen Art Museum, the hotel is proud to host this display of her artistic talent. This collaboration further reinforces the strong relationship between Mandarin Oriental and the art world, providing guests with the opportunity to appreciate unique and captivating artworks during their stay.
