This article details ten must-see art exhibits in 2021 for art lovers to explore. From the Picasso/Rodin exhibition at the Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia to Raphael: A Prince Among Artists at the National Gallery in London, the list offers a diverse range of art forms, styles, and themes to explore. The exhibitions highlight the power of art to inspire, challenge, and transform, with artists exploring topics such as race, gender, sustainability, the human form, and ancient cultures. These exhibits are examples of how art can provide a breath of fresh air for the creative soul, offering thought-provoking pieces that tell stories, evoke emotions and offer new perspectives on the world we live in.
10 Must-See Art Exhibits in 2021
Art exhibits are like a breath of fresh air for the creative soul. They give us the chance to lose ourselves in thought-provoking pieces that tell stories, evoke emotions, and offer a new perspective on the world we live in. With the opening up of museums and galleries after the pandemic-induced shutdown, there is an incredible diversity of exhibitions awaiting art lovers. Here are ten must-see art exhibits in 2021:
1. Picasso/ Rodin at the Barnes Foundation, Philadelphia
The Barnes Foundation presents a rare exhibition that brings together the works of two great modernists of the 20th century – Pablo Picasso and Auguste Rodin. The exhibition features over 50 works of Picasso and 25 by Rodin, including sculptures, paintings, and works on paper. The exhibit explores the creative dialogues and affinities between the two artists, highlighting the similarities in their modes of expression, such as their interest in the human form, their use of line, and their engagement with mythology.
2. Saul Steinberg: Illuminated at the Morgan Library and Museum, New York
Saul Steinberg’s iconic illustrations appeared in The New Yorker for over six decades, and he is considered one of the most influential illustrators of the 20th century. Illuminated is the first major retrospective of Steinberg’s work in over two decades; it features more than 100 works on paper, including drawings, collages, and prints. The exhibit highlights Steinberg’s wit, humor, and flair for combining imagery, text, and abstraction to create visually stunning compositions.
3. The Future of Fashion is Now at the Museum of Contemporary Art and Design, Manila
The Future of Fashion is Now is a group exhibition showcasing the works of young and emerging fashion designers from around the world. The exhibition balances aesthetic and ethical considerations, with designers exploring the intersection of art, technology, and sustainability. From garments made of biodegradable materials to those that incorporate augmented reality, the exhibit challenges conventional notions of fashion and offers a glimpse into the future of the industry.
4. James Turrell: Into the Light at the National Gallery of Australia, Canberra
American artist James Turrell is known for his light installations that create immersive, sensory experiences for viewers. Into the Light, his retrospective exhibition at the National Gallery of Australia, showcases a range of works from the 1960s to the present day. The exhibit features Turrell’s iconic Skyspaces, where visitors can sit and contemplate a framed view of the sky, as well as his Ganzfeld works, which create an illusion of infinity and the loss of spatial perception.
5. Body of Work at the Cleveland Museum of Art
Body of Work is an exhibition that explores the human body as a site of artistic experimentation and expression. The exhibit features over 50 works by contemporary artists, including sculptures, installations, photographs, and paintings. From the human form as a vessel for identity and memory to its role in cultural and social commentary, the exhibition asks us to reconsider our relationship with our bodies and how we express ourselves through them.
6. Kara Walker: A Black Hole is Everything a Star Longs to Be at Tate Modern, London
Kara Walker is an acclaimed contemporary artist known for her incisive explorations of race, gender, and power. A Black Hole is Everything a Star Longs to Be is a mid-career retrospective of her work, featuring over 100 pieces, including large-scale installations, drawings, and prints. The exhibit showcases Walker’s ability to invoke a range of emotions, from anger and discomfort to awe and wonder, as she confronts the legacy of slavery and racism in America.
7. Niki de Saint Phalle at MoMA PS1, New York
Niki de Saint Phalle was a French-American artist known for her exuberant and colorful sculptures that challenged traditional notions of femininity and beauty. The exhibition at MoMA PS1 focuses on the early part of her career, from the 1960s to the 1980s, and features over 100 works, including sculptures, drawings, and films. The exhibit showcases Saint Phalle’s radical approach to art-making and her use of art as a means of liberation and empowerment.
8. Frank Bowling: London/ New York at Tate Britain, London
Frank Bowling is a British-Guyanese artist who has made significant contributions to the fields of abstract and color-field painting. London/ New York is the artist’s first major retrospective in the UK, featuring over 100 works from his six-decade-long career. The exhibition showcases Bowling’s ability to create mesmerizing compositions that combine geometric rigor with sensual form and intense color.
9. Teotihuacan: City of Water, City of Fire at the de Young Museum, San Francisco
Teotihuacan was a thriving ancient city in Mexico, known for its grand architecture, engaging art, and complex social structures. City of Water, City of Fire is a groundbreaking exhibition that offers a comprehensive view of Teotihuacan’s art and culture, featuring more than 200 objects, including murals, sculptures, and pottery. The exhibit examines Teotihuacan’s significance in the Mesoamerican world and its enduring artistic and cultural legacy.
10. Raphael: A Prince Among Artists at the National Gallery, London
Raphael is considered one of the greatest artists of the High Renaissance, known for his masterful use of perspective, color, and light. A Prince Among Artists is the first ever exhibition to focus solely on Raphael’s drawings, featuring over 100 works from collections around the world. The exhibit showcases Raphael’s versatility and brilliance as a draftsman, offering insights into his creative process and artistic legacy.
In conclusion, these ten art exhibits offer a phenomenal opportunity for art enthusiasts to explore a diverse range of art forms, styles, and themes. The exhibits are a testament to the power of art to inspire, challenge, and transform, and they are not to be missed.