Looking for some inspiration for your next art fix in 2021? Look no further than this list of ten must-see art exhibitions. From Raphael’s iconic works at the National Gallery in London to Ai Weiwei’s provocative installations at the Hirshhorn Museum in Washington DC, these exhibitions showcase the very best of contemporary and classical art from around the world. With over 400 works from Jasper Johns’ six-decade career at the Whitney Museum in New York City and a unique collection of Van Gogh, Monet, and Degas masterpieces at the Chrysler Museum in Norfolk, USA, there is something for every art lover to enjoy.
10 Must-See Art Exhibitions of 2021
2021 brings with it a glimmer of hope for the art world with several highly anticipated exhibitions. From contemporary art to classical paintings, visitors can expect to see works from some of the world’s most acclaimed artists. Here is a list of ten must-see art exhibitions happening in 2021.
1. Raphael at the National Gallery (London, UK)
The National Gallery will be showcasing over 90 works of Raphael in a once-in-a-lifetime exhibition. The exhibition coincides with the 500th anniversary of the artist’s death and will include pieces from the Louvre, Prado Museum and private collections. This will be an excellent opportunity for art lovers to witness some of Raphael’s iconic pieces, including the Virgin Mary and Child.
2. ‘Jasper Johns: Mind/Mirror’ at the Whitney Museum of American Art (New York City, USA)
The Whitney Museum of American Art will feature Jasper John’s works in a retrospective exhibition titled ‘Mind/Mirror.’ The exhibition will include over 400 works created by the artist over six decades. This exhibition will be a rare chance for visitors to learn more about the enigmatic artist and his contributions to the art world.
3. ‘Picasso and Paper’ at the Royal Academy of Arts (London, UK)
The Royal Academy of Arts will showcase the importance of paper in Picasso’s artwork. The exhibition contains over 300 pieces with many of them being shown for the first time in the UK. An extensive collection of drawings, prints and sculptures will provide insight into Picasso’s creative process and technique as an artist.
4. ‘Siah Armajani: Follow This Line’ at the Met Breuer (New York City, USA)
The retrospective of Siah Armajani, an Iranian-born American artist, will be held at the Met Breuer. The exhibition will feature sculptures, drawings and works on paper from his career spanning over 60 years. The showcase will highlight his influence on conceptual and public art.
5. ‘Van Gogh, Monet, Degas: The Mellon Collection of French Art from the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts’ at the Chrysler Museum of Art (Norfolk, USA)
The exhibition will showcase masterpieces that belonged to Paul Mellon of French art, including works from Van Gogh, Monet and Degas. The unique collection has not been displayed in over twenty years and will be on view for a limited time.
6. ‘The Markus Lupertz Exhibition’ at the Kunstmuseum Basel (Basel, Switzerland)
The exhibition will focus on the German artist Markus Lupertz’s paintings, sculptures and drawings. It will feature over 300 pieces created from the 1960s to the present, including several never before exhibited works. This exhibition will provide a fantastic opportunity for visitors to experience Lupertz’s remarkable works.
7. ‘Thomas Demand: House of Card’ at the National Gallery of Victoria (Melbourne, Australia)
The National Gallery of Victoria will host the first comprehensive exhibition in Australia for the German photographer and artist. The exhibition consists of photographs, sculptures and installations that are both engaging and thought-provoking.
8. ‘Ai Weiwei: Trace’ at the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden (Washington DC, USA)
The Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden will present ‘Trace,’ an exhibition that focuses on Ai Weiwei’s recent works. The exhibition will feature the artist’s use of materials such as porcelain, jade and tea to create provocative installations. Ai Weiwei’s work draws attention to social and political issues vital to our time.
9. ‘Gerhard Richter: Painting After All’ at the Met (New York City, USA)
The Gerhard Richter exhibition will take place in the Met Breuer and will contain over 100 artworks from the German painter’s career. The exhibition will place emphasis on Richter’s series of abstract works and includes several never before displayed pieces. It is a rare chance for fans of Richter’s work to witness some of his groundbreaking paintings.
10. ‘Arts of the Islamic World’ at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York City, USA)
The Metropolitan Museum of Art will open an exhibition to showcase Islamic Art’s rich history from the seventh through the twenty-first century. The exhibition will feature arts such as fabulous ceramics, textiles, metalwork and paintings from different regions of the Islamic world.
In conclusion, 2021 promises to be a year full of exceptional art exhibitions, with artists from all over the world displaying their works. Whether you’re travelling or staying close to home, these exhibitions promise an unforgettable experience for art lovers.