Culture: Europe and the US Bask in the Summer of Art

Brace yourselves, art enthusiasts! This summer, the leading art galleries across Europe and the US are hosting a diverse range of exhibitions. They offer everything from African photography in New York to the revelation of rarely exhibited Basquiats in Basel, promising a veritable visual feast.

Multi-Species Exhibition Unfolds in London

The National Gallery in the UK, famous for its grandeur and array of art, is commemorating the medieval Italian mystic, a prominent figure who has inspired many renowned artists, such as Botticelli and Caravaggio, to contemporary Antony Gormley. The exhibit includes an intriguing collection of panels, relics, and manuscripts, even extending to modern-day films and Marvel comics. Visitors can explore this exhibit until July 30.

Switching gears, the Serpentine in London, a contemporary art gallery, hosts Tomás Saraceno’s ‘Web(s) of Life.’ Best known for his thought-provoking arachnid installations, Saraceno now incorporates elements of nature into his work, including birds and insects, engaging the viewer in a more profound ecological conversation. This exhibition will run until September 10.

The Return of MoMA’s New Photography Programme

In New York, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) puts African photographers in the spotlight with the return of its New Photography programme. The exhibition emphasizes the city of Lagos in Nigeria and features seven artists presenting urban scenes, protests, and archival footage, pushing the boundaries of what photography can be. The exhibit will be open until September 16.

MoMA’s “New Photography 2023” is unlike other editions of the annual show since it will be the first to focus on a specific art scene: that of Lagos, Nigeria

Read more on this and other art world happenings you’ll want to experience this year. https://t.co/UfnUjI0Zq3 pic.twitter.com/nuF8t0DXCU

— Art in America (@ArtinAmerica) May 28, 2023
Celebrating Democracy through Art in Los Angeles
In Los Angeles, The Broad steps up to celebrate the democratic spirit of Keith Haring’s art through ‘Art is For Everybody.’ The exhibition features more than 120 artworks and archival materials, highlighting Haring’s efforts to make his art accessible to all through graffiti, murals, and merch. The exhibit will run until October 8.

Artistic Exhibits in Europe
Vienna, Austria
In Vienna, the Albertina Modern showcases Yoshitomo Nara’s work in the ‘All My Little Words’ exhibition. Known for his scowling child drawings, this exhibit traces their evolution across 40 years. It will be open until November 1.

Basel, Switzerland
Meanwhile, in Basel, the Fondation Beyeler presents Doris Salcedo’s installation, “Palimpsest”, which reflects the refugee crisis. This is part of a larger retrospective of Salcedo’s work, encompassing themes of catastrophe, violence, and grief. Visitors can explore this profound exhibition until September 17.

Other cities
The summer culminates with the Carrie Mae Weems exhibit at Barbican, London, reflecting on racism, sexism, and politics, and the ‘A World in Common: Contemporary African Photography’ exhibit at Tate Modern, London. Paula Rego’s feminist art will also be on display at the National Gallery, London, with ‘Crivelli’s Garden.’

With such an eclectic range of exhibits across Europe and the US, this summer promises a visual banquet for art lovers. Whether you’re passionate about photography, captivated by contemporary art, or intrigued by historical art forms, there’s an exhibition for you!