London— If you’re looking for an art experience that will leave you feeling like you’ve just gone ten rounds in an emotional boxing ring, then Marlene Dumas’s latest exhibition at Frith Street Gallery, Mourning Marsyas , is the one to see. Running from September 20 to November 16, 2024, this show is a masterclass in how to make big, bold, gut-wrenching art that doesn’t just sit on the walls, but reaches out, grabs you by the collar, and makes you think about all the things you’ve been trying to avoid. The central thread of the exhibition is the myth of Marsyas, a satyr who dared to challenge the god Apollo to a musical duel and lost in the most gruesome way possible—by being skinned alive. If that sounds intense, well, it is. But Dumas isn’t interested in just rehashing an old myth; she’s drawing a parallel between Marsyas’s fate and the injustices of our modern world, where power can be just as brutal and unchecked. The centrepiece, Mourning Marsyas (2024), is a massive painting that practically begs you to get lost in its layers. It started as a simple stain on the canvas—think of it as the art-world equivalent of a wine spill that somehow turns into a masterpiece. From this stain, Dumas has teased out a central figure, flanked by shadowy companions that are both haunting and oddly comforting. It’s like staring into the abyss and finding it staring right back at you. But that’s not all. Fortune (2024) takes inspiration from Albrecht Dürer and runs with it, presenting three figures that seem to be having a conversation, or maybe an argument—it’s hard to tell because they’re both connected and disconnected at the same time. These figures are part human, part something else entirely, and their strange, almost animalistic forms are as intriguing as they are unsettling. And then there’s The Widow (2021-2024), a piece that feels deeply personal. Dumas created it over several years, pouring her own grief into the figure of a dark, almost spectral woman. With a skull-like head and a veiled body, this painting is as much about what’s hidden as what’s revealed. It’s like staring into a mirror that only shows you your worst fears and deepest sorrows. Fun, right? If you’re not already running to the gallery, there’s also Pareidolia (2024), a work that plays with the human tendency to see familiar shapes in random patterns. The face in this piece is bloated, rudimentary, and completely unsettling—exactly what you’d expect from an artist who isn’t interested in making you feel comfortable. And just when you think you’ve seen it all, Dumas throws in Fate (2000-2024), a small, quietly disturbing painting that took years to complete. It’s inspired by Francisco de Goya’s black paintings, and if that doesn’t give you an idea of the vibe, I don’t know what will. The figure in this piece is skeletal, crouching, and almost insect-like—a stark reminder of the inescapable reality of death. In Mourning Marsyas , Dumas doesn’t just create art; she creates an experience that demands your full attention. It’s not just about the myth, the history, or even the technique—it’s about the raw, unfiltered emotions that these works evoke. You don’t just look at these paintings; you feel them, deeply, in that part of your chest where all your most intense feelings live. And isn’t that what great art is supposed to do? So, clear your schedule, book your tickets, and get ready to feel all the feelings. This exhibition is not just a must-see; it’s a must-experience. Trust me, you’ll be talking about it long after you leave the gallery. Artist bio Marlene Dumas is an influential contemporary artists of our time, renowned for her emotionally charged and often provocative works that explore the complexities of the human condition. Born in Cape Town, South Africa, in 1953, Dumas studied at the University of Cape Town before moving to the Netherlands, where she has lived and worked since the 1970s. Her art is known for its raw intensity, combining elements of figuration and abstraction to confront themes such as identity, sexuality, race, and mortality. Dumas’s work has been exhibited in major museums and galleries worldwide, and she continues to push the boundaries of painting with her distinctive style and fearless approach to difficult subjects.

Joe Bloom’s first solo exhibition at Kristin Hjellegjerde Gallery, titled "Commemorations," invites art enthusiasts into a realm where the sacred act of tribute is both revered and scrutinized. Bloom's newest series of paintings delve deep into the intricacies of memorialization, questioning not only the methods but also the motivations behind our need to preserve moments from our lives and history. Suspended in mid-air, giant stained-glass orbs illuminate the gallery, each one serving as a luminous meeting point and a symbol of occasion. These orbs, rendered with meticulous detail and a touch of spontaneity, embody a striking balance between light and shadow, fragility and strength. Central to this exhibition is "A Fruitless Bounty?", a mesmerizing large-scale piece that encapsulates Bloom’s duality of precision and chaos. The painting depicts a stained-glass orb hanging from the wooden rafters of an attic, surrounded by a flock of green parakeets drawn to its light. The orb, featuring the image of a vibrant fruit tree, presents a beautiful yet brittle illusion of abundance. This ironic twist—where the glass fruit tree signifies both beauty and fragility—provokes a deeper contemplation on the nature of commemoration and the subtle violence embedded within the act of preservation. Bloom’s narrative extends beyond static imagery, inviting viewers into an interactive dialogue with his art. In "But Wasn’t It Beautiful?", he juxtaposes the careful restoration of a stained-glass orb depicting an atomic explosion with the inherent fragility of the material. This piece highlights the irony of memorializing destruction through a medium as delicate as glass. Other works, like "Blokes" and "What Seems to Be the Problem," evoke a more subtle tension. Muscular figures manipulate the orbs in ways that suggest both creation and potential destruction, prompting viewers to reflect on the ambiguous rituals depicted and the fine line between harm and healing. The smaller-scale paintings in "Commemorations" offer a more intimate look at the materiality of stained glass, placing the orbs within hyperreal, yet detached spaces. "A Quick Shared Glimpse" features an orb depicting a bustling train carriage hanging in an empty room, the fractured imagery within mimicking the craft of stained glass. This interplay between the ordinary and the ethereal, the seamless and the shattered, underscores Bloom’s exploration of memory and its portrayal. Through these works, Bloom suggests that what we choose to commemorate reveals our collective aspirations and individual identities. "Commemorations" at Kristin Hjellegjerde Gallery is not just an exhibition but a profound journey through the fragile nature of memory and the narratives we construct, making it a must-see for any art aficionado.

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.

The Little Black Gallery is set to unveil a captivating new chapter in the world of fine art photography with "Becoming," the debut London exhibition of the acclaimed artist Margaret Lansink. This exclusive showcase will be hosted at the illustrious Rebecca Hossack Art Gallery in the heart of Fitzrovia, from October 1 to 12, 2024. "A movement of becoming, eternal becoming." — Simone de Beauvoir Set against the sophisticated backdrop of 2a Conway Street, London W1T 6BA, The Rebecca Hossack Art Gallery will transform into an intimate space for Lansink’s extraordinary debut. Known for her distinctive aesthetic that fuses poetic minimalism with powerful emotional resonance, Lansink’s work presents an exquisite exploration of the self. Her photographs, which she terms 'self-portraits' in the broadest sense, are a profound reflection of her inner experiences and sentiments captured in specific moments and spaces. Lansink’s artistic approach is both innovative and deeply personal. She employs a diverse array of analogue techniques and experiments, creating stunning visuals with elements like paint, gold leaf, and charcoal. Additionally, her use of traditional darkroom processes—such as liquid light and platinum palladium printing—ensures that each piece is not only a work of art but a unique and immersive experience. Educated at the esteemed PhotoAcademy in Amsterdam, Le Masterklass in Paris, and Atelier Smedsby, Lansink’s career is adorned with prestigious accolades including the Grand Prize of the Hariban Award in 2019 and a shortlist for the Gomma Grant in 2018. Her portfolio is further distinguished by eight published books, four of which she meticulously handmade. "Becoming" promises to be more than an exhibition; it’s a curated journey through Lansink’s intricate exploration of self and emotion. This showcase is a rare opportunity to experience the delicate interplay of technique and feeling that defines her work, set in one of London’s most refined art spaces. Join us at The Rebecca Hossack Art Gallery this October to immerse yourself in the sublime artistry of Margaret Lansink and witness the unveiling of "Becoming," a truly exclusive event for connoisseurs of fine art and luxury.

Gone Rogue is transforming the sleek, black marble walls of ME London's Marconi Lounge into a vibrant canvas for the unmistakable Pure Evil. The renowned street artist, known for his striking and rebellious style, is taking over the space with "Gone Rogue," a solo exhibition that promises to be a visual feast. From iconic tagged canvases to neon installations, sculptures, and rare prints, Pure Evil’s work will redefine the lounge into a vibrant canvas showcasing his unique artistic vision. Art available to purchase here. Pure Evil, the alias of Welsh-born graffiti artist Charles Uzzell Edwards, brings a dynamic exploration of his street art roots to this exhibit. His rebellious screen prints and signature spray can drips extend beyond traditional gallery confines, creating a striking contrast that captivates both local art enthusiasts and international visitors. The Marconi Lounge, with its luxurious setting, will become a playground for Pure Evil’s art, offering an immersive experience like no other. Among the exhibition's standout features are Pure Evil's famous Fanged Bunnies, which will adorn not only the gallery walls but also windows and various surfaces throughout the space. These iconic creatures, along with portraits of celebrities like Jackie Kennedy and Marilyn Monroe depicted with signature dark tears, showcase the artist’s ability to blend haunting imagery with urban aesthetics. Whether you're a long time fan or new to Pure Evil’s work, this exhibition promises an engaging and unforgettable experience. Pure Evil’s journey in art began after a decade in California, where he designed clothes and printed t-shirts for the streetwear brand Anarchic Adjustment. Upon returning to London, he became involved in Banksy’s pop-up gallery concept, Santa’s Ghetto, and it was during this time that he began spraying his now-famous fanged bunny images across the city. His background in graffiti and street art is evident in his wide-ranging body of work, from his "Nightmare Series" to his daily street art missions in 2014. Founded by Kim Shaylor in 2018, Gone Rogue is an international art curation and consulting collective that has become a well-established partner in the hospitality sector. With over 50 artists and 30 successful exhibitions and curatorial projects globally, Gone Rogue has collaborated with high-profile names such as Fortnum & Mason, McLaren, Sushi Samba, Pikes, and The Prodigy. Their mission is to support both emerging and established artists, showcasing their work in unique and unconventional environments and making contemporary art accessible to all.

The Yield Gallery in Soho has just announced a highly anticipated private viewing press night, titled “Urban Impressions”. It features an exceptional lineup of renowned artists including Fern, Richard Hambleton, Mathew Marquis, Basquiat, Banksy, and Mr Controversial. "Urban Impressions" brings together some of the most influential and innovative artists in the genre. The event aims to celebrate the diversity and vibrancy of street art while paying homage to the visionary works of these iconic artists. Highlighted Artists: 1. Fern: A British Painter Fern’s style displays the influence of a variety of contemporary painters and draws upon imagery from mid century posters. As a female artist Fern often demonstrates a joy in self assured femininity and female sexuality and expresses overt or implicit of the "man's world" in which she lives. Her rebellious art, combined with her free- spirited lifestyle, has made Fern a herald of today’s feminist culture that appeals to many contemporary collectors. 2. Richard Hambleton: Widely regarded as the godfather of street art a title he rejected began in 1976 with his mass murder series. Selling in cities across the world Richard Hambleton became an established artist.As Rochard became more established he began to paint on canvas, but fame didn’t satisfy Hambleton and by the nineties with a ever worsening drug habit he had fallen out of view. In 2011an exhibition touring milan, Moscow, cannes, paris then back to New York had catapulted Hambleton to high esteem and twice he appeared on the cover of Life magazine.in 2017 Oren Jacoby produced an award winning documentary shadowman which premiered at the TriBeca film festival. 3. Mathew Marquis: Matthew Marquis 42 is an American contemporary artist that inspires his oil paintings on canvas with a wide range of grotesque figures with bulging eyes, bulbous cheeks, proliferating limbs, and fractured faces evoke the allure and abjection of a carnival. Marquis has been painting for over 20 years in his hometown of Telford, Pennsylvania of the United States. The talented Marquis takes inspiration from artists including Pablo Picasso and George Condo integrating tenets of abstraction into a practice that ranges from macabre portraiture to more geometrical, less representational compositions. 4. Banksy: Arguably the most controversial street artist in the world, Banksy has developed an entire art subculture devoted to his works. Banksy’s art can impact any location at any given moment. His identity remains unknown, even after over 20 years of being involved with the graffiti scene. He has worked with many different types of street art media and street art types. His work not only includes many powerful, often controversial images, but they may also be found throughout the Internet as viral images. Banksy’s artwork has been seen across the world. His travels have included Australia, England, the United States, Israel, Jamaica, and even Canada. Most recently, he spent an entire month glamorising New York City with his street art, which grabbed the attention of thousands every day. The media and his supporters have always questioned Banksy’s identity due to a variety of identity claims. Most recently, many popular theories, including an entire newspaper publication, pointed his identity at being a Bristol native by the name of Robin Gunninham. If this is theory holds true, it will allow even greater insight into the artistic world Banksy inhibits. What is even more interesting is that he has managed to completely conceal his identity from his family. To this date, no Banksy identity claim has ever been definitive. Banksy’s artwork has been seen across the world, His travels have included Australia, England, the United States, Israel, Jamaica, and even Canada. Most recently, he spent an entire month glamorizing New York City with his street art, which grabbed the attention of thousands every day 5. Mr Controversial: Mr Controversial has been mentioned as the “one to watch” when it comes to rising artistic talent in the UK. He is hot off the back of multiple sell-out exhibitions and collections and has amassed a solid collector base that includes established collectors and a few well-known celebrities. Early on in his artistic career he raised eyebrows and quickly became known for his twist of vintage pulp imagery with funny, relatable captions. Most recently, the artist has been working on his new typographical oil paintings which are equally as bold, witty and riddled with truisms that we can all relate to. Due to the sharable nature of his work, it often goes viral and he aims to hit the sweet spot between social media viral content and contemporary fine art. From his new collection, you can expect oil paintings with deep textures, vibrant colours satirical messages which the artist will be releasing through a handful of entrusted selected galleries globally. "Urban Impressions" promises to be an evening filled with creativity, inspiration, and artistic exploration. The Yield Gallery in Soho is known for its commitment to showcasing groundbreaking contemporary art. With its chic and modern setting, it provides the perfect backdrop for this extraordinary event, where art enthusiasts, collectors, and the press can come together to celebrate the world of urban art.