The art world is buzzing with activity this week as Wales takes center stage in the global art scene, while major exhibitions across the UK showcase everything from contemporary photography to abstract American art. The week's highlights include the prestigious Artes Mundi competition, groundbreaking Turner exhibitions, and stunning displays by renowned contemporary artists.
Leading this week's exhibitions is Artes Mundi 11, where six international artists are competing for the UK's most globally-focused art prize. This competition presents an internationalist perspective of our current cultural moment and will run at the National Museum Cardiff until March 1st. The exhibition offers viewers a comprehensive look at contemporary global artistic expressions and cultural dialogues.
Marina Warner is co-curating "The Shelter of Stories," a compelling exhibition exploring the transformative power of narrative and humanity's deep connection to the concept of home. This thought-provoking show will be displayed at Compton Verney in Warwickshire from October 25th through February 22nd, examining how stories shape our understanding of belonging and identity.
"Turner: Always Contemporary" promises to reveal J.M.W. Turner's lasting influence on modern art, going far beyond the usual suspects like Damien Hirst and Jeff Koons. This comprehensive survey will be featured at the Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool from October 25th to February 22nd, demonstrating how Turner's revolutionary approach to light and atmosphere continues to inspire contemporary artists across different mediums and styles.
Andreas Gursky is presenting his epic photographic works at White Cube Masons Yard in London until November 8th. Known as a contemporary master of the photographic sublime, Gursky's large-scale images capture the complexity and grandeur of modern life, offering viewers an immersive experience into his unique artistic vision.
Meanwhile, Christopher Wool is showcasing his sculptures, drawings, and prints at Gagosian Grosvenor Hill in London through December 19th. The acclaimed American artist, known for his abstract or perhaps post-abstract approach, continues to challenge conventional artistic boundaries with his distinctive woolly aesthetic.
This week's standout image comes from a major Gerhard Richter exhibition in Paris, featuring an impressive collection of 270 works. The German visual artist, who has painted subjects ranging from simple candles to the tragic events of 9/11, has created photographic mist portraits and transformed classical works like Titian into sacred artistic jumbles. This thrilling Paris exhibition reveals Richter in all his contradictory brilliance, showcasing his versatility and enduring impact on contemporary art.
The week has also brought several important art world developments and insights. Donald Trump's bulletproof ballroom is generating discussion for its dictator-like aesthetic, while a major new exhibition is highlighting Pierre-Auguste Renoir's lesser-known drawings. Helen Marten's Turner Prize victory has reportedly made her more artistically fierce, and the Deutsche Börse Photography Prize shortlist spans from powerful documentary work to experimental AI-generated art.
The Jarman Film Art Prize finalists are exploring diverse themes, from Jamaican rivers to Lagos's motorcycle taxi culture. A innovative guerrilla program is helping financially struggling artists share gallery membership cards, while recent Louvre raiders demonstrated notably poor taste in their art selections. American artist Kara Walker has created a breathtaking transformation of a Confederate monument, and photographer Coreen Simpson used wit and luck to capture iconic figures like Muhammad Ali and Toni Morrison.
This week's masterpiece spotlight falls on "The Grotto at Posillipo" by Thomas Jones from 1782. The 18th-century Welsh artist made an extensive journey to Naples during a time when Mount Vesuvius was erupting, though the volcano posed no threat to the city while offering spectacular sublime views. Jones, who documented his travels in writing, made the traditional pilgrimage to observe the lava streams but found himself more artistically drawn to quiet, mysterious scenes throughout Naples and its surrounding landscape.
In this particular work, Jones depicts himself alone, seeking refuge from the intense afternoon heat in the shadowy entrance of an ancient Roman tunnel that historically connected Naples with the northern seaside town of Pozzuoli. The artist discovered profound fascination in the deserted silence of this location, capturing the dark mouth of the mysterious underground passage and the unsettling beauty of the hollow space. This masterpiece is currently housed in the National Gallery in London, where it continues to captivate viewers with its haunting atmosphere and historical significance.
