As we step into the vibrant canvas of 2024, the world's museums beckon art enthusiasts with a diverse array of exhibitions that promise to captivate, challenge, and inspire. From the intimate explorations of Yoko Ono to the grand landscapes of Caspar David Friedrich, this year's lineup celebrates the richness of artistic expression across time and cultures.
Yoko Ono: Fly
Tate Modern, London, 15 February–1 September
Yoko Ono, known as much for her pop culture influence as her artistic prowess, takes center stage at Tate Modern. From her groundbreaking feminist performances in the 1960s to her enduring impact on modern art, this retrospective promises to reaffirm Ono's indelible place in artistic history.
William Blake’s Universe
Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge, 23 February–19 May
Step into the mystical cosmos of William Blake, where art becomes a portal to deciphering the enigmatic visions of this Romantic-era luminary. This exhibition guides visitors through Blake's prophecies and rants, offering a lucid understanding of his hauntingly lyrical artistic universe.
Anselm Kiefer: Fallen Angels
Palazzo Strozzi, Florence, Mar. 22–July 21
"Fallen Angels" presents a comprehensive journey through Anselm Kiefer's influential career, blending mythology, religion, and the impact of World War II on Germany's cultural identity. The monumental scale of Kiefer's work, set against Palazzo Strozzi's historic Renaissance architecture, promises a profound exploration of his six-decade-long artistic evolution.
Paris 1874: Inventing Impressionism
Musée d’Orsay, Paris (also traveling to National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.), Mar. 24–July 14
Marking the 150th anniversary of the avant-garde movement, this exhibition traces the birth of Impressionism in 1874. With masterpieces from Claude Monet, Berthe Morisot, and Pierre-Auguste Renoir, the show delves into the artists' rebellion against academic conventions, offering a vivid portrayal of everyday life amid the industrialization and conflict of the era.
Caspar David Friedrich: Infinite Landscapes
Alte Nationalgalerie, Berlin, Apr. 19–Aug. 4
In celebration of Caspar David Friedrich's 250th birthday, "Infinite Landscapes" explores the Romantic landscape painter's legacy. From Berlin to Dresden, the exhibitions across Germany examine Friedrich's portrayal of man and nature, emphasizing his influence on contemporary art. Berlin's Alte Nationalgalerie, intimately connected to Friedrich's rediscovery, presents a nuanced perspective on his timeless creations.
Theaster Gates
Mori Art Museum, Tokyo, Apr. 24–Sep. 1
The immersive world of Theaster Gates unfolds in his first comprehensive survey in Japan. Spanning sculpture, painting, music, and performance, Gates's multidimensional practice reflects on urban planning, racial inequalities, and the preservation of Black art and culture. The exhibition offers a unique lens into diasporic traditions, filling a crucial gap in local awareness.
Jenny Holzer: Light Line
Guggenheim Museum, New York, May 17–Sep. 29
Returning to the Guggenheim 35 years after her groundbreaking installation, Jenny Holzer's "Light Line" redefines the intersection of art and social concerns. With electronic signs displaying texts generated through decades, Holzer continues to engage with urgent societal issues, creating a thought-provoking dialogue on truth, community, and personal freedoms.
Francis Alÿs
The Barbican, London, June 27–Sep. 1
Francis Alÿs's largest U.K. solo show in over a decade transforms the Barbican into a playground of games. Through film, photography, and performance, Alÿs's intimate observations of the world unfold. The U.K. premiere of "Children’s Games" highlights the universal joy of youthful play, offering a poignant reflection on urbanization and social connections.
Van Gogh: Poets and Lovers
National Gallery, London, 14 September-19 January 2025
Exploring the poetic realm of Vincent van Gogh's imagination, this exhibition at the National Gallery unveils the artist's unique perspective on love and nature. With works never before seen in the UK, "Poets and Lovers" celebrates the 200th birthday of the National Gallery, promising a spectacular journey through the euphoria and despair captured in van Gogh's art.
Francis Bacon Portraits
National Portrait Gallery, London, 10 October–19 January
Delve into the distorted yet deeply human portraits by Francis Bacon, capturing the essence of the human condition. "Francis Bacon Portraits" offers a penetrating gaze into Bacon's circle, from George Dyer to Henrietta Moraes, providing an intimate exploration of his artistic mastery.
In the kaleidoscope of 2024's art offerings, these exhibitions stand as testament to the enduring power of creativity to transcend time, culture, and societal challenges. Embark on this global art odyssey, and let the canvases of these visionary artists paint the story of our shared humanity.
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Words by AW.
Photos courtesy of the estates of Anselm Kiefer & Francis Bacon.