WHAT'S ON | RECOMMENDED
LEWES, TAUNTON, LONDON, BRISTOL
As varied as the artists of the collective, this months recommended shows come from across the South with everything from the very traditional to modern satirical. No longwinded introduction, it's January and we're all about getting things done and starting our year off right seeing some excellent art; so take a look at our break down of four of the best art exhibitions to see this January.
1
25 September - 2 March
GRAYSON PERRY: A TEMPLE FOR EVERYONE - CHARLESTON IN LEWES, LEWES
This showcase of works by the celebrated British Artist includes over 30 pieces telling the story about what it means to be home. Including the breadth of Perry's mediums from tapestries and ceramics to drawing's and etchings, the exhibition explores what it means to be British today, what it means to call a place home and how that feeds into our identity. Through his own experiences and visual descriptions and representations of place, visitors are are invited to reflect on their own thoughts of contemporary society and to consider spaces of domesticity guided by the artists own lens. The Charleston in Lewes - the setting itself being a house and once a home - has dedicated a season to exploring the intersection between art and home. This latest exploration through the eyes of Grayson Perry takes the viewer on a wonderful deep dive into his world and unique perspectives on Britain, celebrating the quirks and truths of contemporary life all in a riot of colour.
Hit the link below to find out more.
2
19 October - 15 March
CHANCE ENCOUNTERS: THE ART OF RACHEL RECKITT - THE MUSEUM OF SOMERSET, TAUNTON
Not a well known artist to most, Rachel Reckitt was a 20th century modernest artist who lived and worked in West Somerset for over 60 years. Her artworks tell the stories of her life from her deep connection to the South West landscape to the remarkable stories of her life during the Second World War. She worked across subject matters styles and mediums creating work on her own terms and inspired by her own observations of people and places. This retrospective showcases pieces on loan from collections brought together with the South West Heritage Trust acquisitions; and includes painting and sculpture partnerships and recently discovered works. Despite being quite an exceptional woman, her work was mostly overlooked as were many during the period of her life, but this collection gives audiences an invitation to discover this talented artist and learn a little of the story behind her avant-guard visions of the world. If you cant get there yourself, consider reading a little more about her, and viewing some of her fantastic works at the link below.
3
1 November - 9 March
DRAWING THE ITALIAN RENAISSANCE - THE KINGS GALLERY BUCKINGHAM, LONDON
From the relatively unknown, to some of the most historically famous artists to ever live, but not as we're perhaps used to seeing them. This "dazzling" and "Breathtaking" exhibition includes the work of artistic giants: Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo Raphael and Titian alongside other artists of the Italian Renaissance in the widest range of drawings from the period to be shown in the UK. Across Italy between 1450 and 1600 drawing became central to the artists process. The proliferation of cheap paper and the development of new mediums like charcoal meant greater experimentation and all the artists working in this period developed their works as drawings before moving them to larger paintings or frescoes. Although most drawings were considered only as preparatory forms and so did not survive, the Royal Collection holds the one of the greatest collections of these Italian Renaissance drawings. This exhibition is a chance to see these in all their glory, celebrating them in their own right and placing the spotlight on drawing as an art form.
4
22 November - 2 February
HERE TODAY, HERE TOMORROW - ARNOLFINI, BRISTOL
Here Today, Here Tomorrow, is a selection of works that play with themes of lifecycles, our relationship to nature and the places and spaces we inhabit. Taken from the Jerwood Collection it is an exploration of the ideas in the Arnolfini's major exhibition of Rinko Kawauchi's work. Capturing the texture of the everyday and the traces of humans life through portraits, landscapes and still lifes; this exhibition brings together 22 artworks from distinguished artists such as David Hockney, Chantal Joffe, Maggie Hambling and many more. The Jerwood Collection holds a beautiful selection of modern artworks, and this exhibition is a lovely chance to see just a few of them brought together to discuss our shared human relationships with nature and place. This discussion elevates the mundane, the everyday and our collective humanness to invite a little introspection and inspiration for visitors. The Arnolfini and Jerwood Collection are in a three-year collaboration so look out for other exhibitions which make selections interrogating different ideas and themes.
As always we'd love to hear your thoughts, so drop us a message if you see any of the shows, let us know what you think, or tell us about something you recommend!
Comments