Art
Hockney’s secrets, a Mike Nelson thriller, and graffiti gets a retrospective – the week in art
Exhibition of the week
David Hockney: Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away)
Britain’s greatest pop artist continues his unique trajectory through the modern world with an immersive spectacle that plunges you into his pictures.
Lightroom, London, 22 February to 4 June
Also showing
Golden Mummies of Egypt
This newly modernised Victorian museum shows off its world-class collection of ancient Egyptian embalmed people.
Manchester Museum, 18 February to 31 December
Mike Nelson: Extinction Beckons
A retrospective of Nelson’s fictional places that snare you in his mind’s dark labyrinth.
Hayward Gallery, London, 22 February to 7 May
Beyond the Streets London
Jenny Holzer, Brassaï and Gordon Matta-Clark are among the less predictable inclusions in this history of graffiti art.
Saatchi Gallery, London, until 9 May
Annie Morris and Idris Khan: Two Worlds Entwined
This artist couple show together for the first time.
Newlands House, Petworth, until 7 May
Image of the week
A Banksy artwork appeared on the streets of Margate on Valentine’s Day, showing a woman with a swollen eye and a missing tooth disposing of a man’s body in a chest freezer. The image above shows a council worker removing the freezer “on the grounds of safety” after its presence had been highlighted by the national press. It was later returned, only to be removed a second time by a local gallery.
Masterpiece of the week
Manchester Madonna, Michelangelo, about 1494
In 1857, the Manchester Art Treasures of Great Britain exhibition drew direct comparison between the booming capital of Britain’s industrial northwest and the great commercial cities of the Italian Renaissance. One of its highlights was this early painting by Michelangelo, which has been known as the Manchester Madonna ever since. Michelangelo, who was about 19 when he left this work unfinished, was a protege of the Medici, bankers and effective rulers of Florence, but by 1494 the city was in revolution. Oligarchic tyranny was replaced by a popular government under the sway of the prophet Savonarola. Michelangelo captures the intense mood of religious renewal in this visionary painting of curly haired angels surrounding a pensive Mary. He’s visibly influenced by his older contemporary Botticelli, who was a disciple of Savonarola. But this is also a farewell to Florence and its artistic heritage: soon he would move to Rome where he made a name for himself by faking a pagan love god.
National Gallery, London
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Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone BBC.com
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The Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House has reopened its doors to the public after a fire swept through the historic building in central London. While the gallery has resumed operations, the rest of the iconic site remains closed “until further notice.”
On Saturday, approximately 125 firefighters were called to the scene to battle the blaze, which sent smoke billowing across the city. Fortunately, the fire occurred in a part of the building not housing valuable artworks, and no injuries were reported. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire.
Despite the disruption, art lovers queued outside the gallery before it reopened at 10:00 BST on Sunday. One visitor expressed his relief, saying, “I was sad to see the fire, but I’m relieved the art is safe.”
The Clark family, visiting London from Washington state, USA, had a unique perspective on the incident. While sightseeing on the London Eye, they watched as firefighters tackled the flames. Paul Clark, accompanied by his wife Jiorgia and their four children, shared their concern for the safety of the artwork inside Somerset House. “It was sad to see,” Mr. Clark told the BBC. As a fan of Vincent Van Gogh, he was particularly relieved to learn that the painter’s famous Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear had not been affected by the fire.
Blaze in the West Wing
The fire broke out around midday on Saturday in the west wing of Somerset House, a section of the building primarily used for offices and storage. Jonathan Reekie, director of Somerset House Trust, assured the public that “no valuable artefacts or artworks” were located in that part of the building. By Sunday, fire engines were still stationed outside as investigations into the fire’s origin continued.
About Somerset House
Located on the Strand in central London, Somerset House is a prominent arts venue with a rich history dating back to the Georgian era. Built on the site of a former Tudor palace, the complex is known for its iconic courtyard and is home to the Courtauld Gallery. The gallery houses a prestigious collection from the Samuel Courtauld Trust, showcasing masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Among the notable works are pieces by impressionist legends such as Edouard Manet, Claude Monet, Paul Cézanne, and Vincent Van Gogh.
Somerset House regularly hosts cultural exhibitions and public events, including its popular winter ice skating sessions in the courtyard. However, for now, the venue remains partially closed as authorities ensure the safety of the site following the fire.
Art lovers and the Somerset House community can take solace in knowing that the invaluable collection remains unharmed, and the Courtauld Gallery continues to welcome visitors, offering a reprieve amid the disruption.
Sudbury’s annual art and music festival is marking a significant milestone this year, celebrating its long-standing impact on the local cultural scene. The festival, which has grown from a small community event to a major celebration of creativity, brings together artists, musicians, and visitors from across the region for a weekend of vibrant performances and exhibitions.
The event features a diverse range of activities, from live music performances to art installations, workshops, and interactive exhibits that highlight both emerging and established talent. This year’s milestone celebration will also honor the festival’s history by showcasing some of the artists and performers who have contributed to its success over the years.
Organizers are excited to see how the festival has evolved, becoming a cornerstone of Sudbury’s cultural landscape. “This festival is a celebration of creativity, community, and the incredible talent we have here in Sudbury,” said one of the event’s coordinators. “It’s amazing to see how it has grown and the impact it continues to have on the arts community.”
With this year’s milestone celebration, the festival promises to be bigger and better than ever, with a full lineup of exciting events, workshops, and performances that will inspire and engage attendees of all ages.
The festival’s milestone is not just a reflection of its past success but a celebration of the continued vibrancy of Sudbury’s arts scene.
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