MONACO – This summer, the Grimaldi Forum Monaco, in partnership with Tate, proudly unveils "Turner, the Sublime Legacy." Opening on July 6, 2024, this expansive exhibition spans over 2,000 square meters and features nearly 80 works by the illustrious Joseph Mallord William Turner. Renowned for his revolutionary approach to landscape and light, Turner's art profoundly influenced the sublime representation in art, and this exhibition showcases that legacy in unparalleled depth.
The exhibition boasts an impressive collection of 38 oil paintings and 40 works on paper, making it the largest loan of Turner’s oil paintings to date from the Tate. These pieces trace Turner’s artistic evolution, from his early depictions of the English countryside to his later, more modern landscapes, characterized by masterful use of color and light.
"Turner, the Sublime Legacy" also delves into Turner's enduring impact on contemporary art. It features around thirty works by modern and contemporary artists such as John Akomfrah, Olafur Eliasson, and Mark Rothko. These artists engage in a vibrant dialogue with Turner’s work, exploring themes of landscape representation and human-environment interactions through diverse mediums, including sculpture, installation, and video.
Elizabeth Brooke, the exhibition's curator, sheds light on the purpose of this showcase: "This exhibition presents a range of Turner’s most important pictures alongside a selection of high-profile works by contemporary artists. It explores Turner's oeuvre through the eighteenth-century notion of the ‘Sublime’ and reconsiders the concept in a twenty-first-century context. I hope the show will introduce Turner to a new audience, who might not typically visit a historical art exhibition, whilst also offering a new perspective on Turner for more familiar visitors."
Brooke emphasizes what makes this exhibition unique: "The collection includes the largest selection of Turner’s oil paintings that Tate has ever loaned, alongside a range of his watercolours and sketches. Fifteen artists are also featured alongside Turner; who have all been either influenced by, compared to, or in some cases challenged his approach towards engaging with the natural world. The contemporary artworks interspersed throughout the exhibition seek to facilitate a consideration of the modern relevance of Turner’s sublime explorations of the natural world."
The Grimaldi Forum, a cultural landmark known for its striking architecture, hosts this exhibition as part of its rich and varied annual programming. As the venue nears its 25th anniversary in 2025, it continues to attract over 250,000 visitors annually and host approximately 100 events each year, reinforcing its status as a key cultural hub in Monaco.
"Turner, the Sublime Legacy" promises to be a seminal exhibition, offering visitors an unparalleled opportunity to experience the grandeur of Turner’s work alongside contemporary interpretations, all within the stunning setting of the Grimaldi Forum. Don’t miss this chance to witness the sublime legacy of one of Britain’s greatest artists.
