In the ever-evolving world of art, exhibitions serve as windows into the soul of our culture and the boundless realms of imagination. As we step into the year 2024, the art world promises an exciting array of exhibitions that will mesmerize, provoke thought, and ignite passions. Whether you're a seasoned art enthusiast or a curious newcomer, here's our guide for the must-see art exhibitions in 2024.
Until January
Edvard Munch
Berlinische Galerie
Until 22 January 2024
Edvard Munch, the renowned Norwegian Symbolist, provocatively reshaped the modern artistic panorama of his epoch, eliciting intense reactions, especially in Berlin, the pulsating heart of artistry and innovation. The "Magic of the North" exhibition, a collaborative venture with the MUNCH in Oslo, intricately chronicles Munch's relationship with the German capital—a city entranced by the mystique of the Nordic aesthetic. It was here, in 1892, that a young and relatively unknown Munch was invited to a solo exhibition by the Association of Berlin Artists, a conservative body. The audacious vibrancy of his works incited both astonishment and derision, leading to an abrupt closure of the exhibition. Dubbed the "Munch Affair" by the media, this event marked a seismic shift towards Modernism in Berlin. Munch, far from being deterred, revelled in the attention, continually intertwining his fate with the city from 1892 to 1908.
With nearly 60 exhibitions held between those years, Berlin was not just a mere backdrop but a seminal crucible in Munch's illustrious career, connecting him to the crème de la crème of artists, patrons, intellectuals, and connoisseurs. On Berlin's Spree banks, Munch's oeuvre transcended mere artistic commentary. It disrupted entrenched perceptions of the Nordic "magic", as delineated by Stefan Zweig, displacing idyllic fjord landscapes with the tumultuous, psychological tapestry of Munch's vision. Yet, the vagaries of history and politics saw Munch's artistic journey turn bittersweet; initially lauded as a "great Nordic artist" by the Nazi regime, he later became an emblematic casualty in their vilification of "degenerate" art.
The exhibition showcases a curated selection of approximately 80 pieces by Munch, juxtaposed with works of contemporaries like Walter Leistikow and Akseli Gallen-Kallela. These artists, in their distinct capacities, moulded Berlin's late 19th-century perceptions of the North and indelibly marked the city's Modernist art milieu.
Until February
Gabrielle Chanel. Fashion Manifesto
Victoria Albert Museum, London
Until 25 February 2024
In an unparalleled tribute to the pioneering French couturière, Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel, the V&A proudly presents "Gabrielle Chanel. Fashion Manifesto", a comprehensive exhibition encapsulating the evolution of Chanel's trailblazing design legacy and the storied ascent of the House of CHANEL. Commencing with her initial foray into the world of fashion in 1910 with her Parisian millinery boutique to her iconic 1971 collection, this exhibition meticulously curates close to 200 ensembles, accompanied by an array of accessories, perfumes, and jewellery. Deriving its foundational ethos from the original exposition at the esteemed Palais Galliera in Paris, the V&A has re-envisioned the experience, introducing over 100 new artefacts, encompassing 60 fresh looks. Noteworthy inclusions range from the seminal 1916 Chanel garment, the illustrious designs for Ballets Russes' 1924 production of "Le Train Bleu", to sartorial masterpieces worn by cinematic legends Lauren Bacall and Marlene Dietrich.
Chanel, always her primary muse, envisioned apparel that encapsulated the spirit and aspirations of the modern woman—dynamic, independent, and avant-garde. The ten thematic sections are a testament to her revolutionary approach to textile, silhouette, and construction, laying bare how she conceived an entirely novel sartorial lexicon for the 20th century. Spanning six decades of unparalleled innovation, the exhibit provides a deep dive into Chanel's professional trajectory, the maturation of her distinctive style, and her indelible mark on the annals of fashion. Moreover, the exhibition sheds light on Chanel's British influences, evidenced in her affection for tweed, collaborations with British textile maestros, and her association with a Huddersfield-based textile establishment. In essence, this exposition offers a profound and discerning exploration into the life and legacy of a fashion titan.
Until April
Mark Rothko
Fondation Louis Vuitton, Paris
Until 2 April 2024
In a monumental cultural offering, the Fondation Louis Vuitton has unveiled an expansive exhibition dedicated to the iconic Mark Rothko. This is France's inaugural retrospective of Rothko since the notable showcase at the Musée d'Art moderne de la Ville de Paris in 1999. With over a hundred works curated from esteemed repositories such as the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C. and the venerable Tate Gallery in London, the exhibition unfurls Rothko's transformative journey—from his initial forays into figurative renderings of urban vignettes to the transcendental abstract canvases that have solidified his place in art history. The profound shifts in Rothko's oeuvre, whether it be his introspection of the human condition through the lens of ancient myths and surrealism during wartime or his epochal transition to abstract expressionism in the latter half of the 1940s, are meticulously presented. As one ventures through the exhibition, Rothko's predilection for somber tones, juxtaposed against bursts of luminosity from the late 60s, is strikingly evident, especially in the majestic setting of the Frank Gehry building. Accompanied by Alberto Giacometti's imposing sculptural figures, it is a reverberating echo of Rothko's unrealized vision for a UNESCO commission. This exhibition, which runs from October 18th, 2023 to April 2nd, 2024, not only underscores Rothko's indelible impact on the art world but also beckons a deeper, cerebral engagement with his multi-dimensional legacy.
Until July
Marina Abramovic
Stedelijk Museum, Amsterdam
16 March — 14 July
Marking a seminal moment in the realm of contemporary art in the Netherlands, a comprehensive solo exhibition dedicated to the illustrious Marina Abramović graces the nation. This pivotal showcase, inaugurating on March 16, is especially resonant given Abramović's intimate ties to Amsterdam in her formative years. Charting an artistic trajectory that spans a prodigious five decades, Abramović has been instrumental in elevating performance art from its nascent, experimental stage to an esteemed mainstream discipline. This retrospective journeys through the epochs of her unparalleled career—from her avant-garde endeavors in the 1970s in both Belgrade and Amsterdam, the transformative collaborations with her partner Ulay in the ensuing decade, to her contemporaneous, dynamic solo pursuits.
The genius of Abramović is poignantly encapsulated in seminal works like "The Artist is Present" (2010). Her oeuvre, while deeply personal in its exploration of the boundaries of physical and psychological fortitude, also transcends individual experience, inviting audience immersion and delving into themes of spirituality, ephemerality of the human form, and the intricate tapestry of the natural cosmos. Beyond her performative creations, her vision has also birthed collaborative platforms and pedagogical initiatives, most notably the Marina Abramović Institute, a testament to her enduring commitment to the evolution and perpetuation of performance art. As anticipation builds for this monumental exhibition, enthusiasts are encouraged to engage with the accompanying newsletter for a holistic experience.
This page is updated continuously and is a curated edit of some of our recommended exhibitions.
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