London’s Art Scene Kicks off 2025 with Stellar Exhibitions
Table of Contents
- Ludovico Carracci’s Susannah and the Elders: A Masterpiece of Ambivalence and religious Tension
- The Scene: A Compressed Garden of Shadows
- the Counter-Reformation and Artistic Hypocrisy
- Artemisia Gentileschi: A Feminist Counterpoint
- Key Themes in Susannah and the Elders
- Why This Masterpiece Still Matters
- Stay Informed with Art Weekly
- Have Questions or Comments?
- The Male Gaze: Then and Now
- Carracci’s Legacy: A Master of Ambivalence
- Plan Your Visit
Teh new year has brought a wave of creativity to London’s art scene, with exhibitions that promise to captivate, challenge, and inspire. From boundary-pushing conceptualism to deeply personal narratives, the city’s galleries are showcasing works that reflect the diversity and dynamism of contemporary art.
Exhibition of the Week: Acaye Kerunen at Pace gallery
Ugandan writer and artist Acaye Kerunen takes center stage this week with her exhibition at Pace Gallery. Known for her richly textured sculptures and wall hangings, Kerunen’s work is a profound exploration of history and social commentary. Her pieces, which blend traditional Ugandan craftsmanship with contemporary themes, are on display until 22 February.
also Showing: A Lineup of must-See Exhibitions
- David Hockney at the Science and Media museum, Bradford
As Bradford celebrates its year as the UK City of Culture, the Science and Media Museum is hosting a retrospective of David Hockney’s photographic experiments. the exhibition, running until 18 May, offers a interesting glimpse into how the Bradford-born artist has redefined the boundaries of photography.
- Condo London 2025
London’s art galleries are buzzing with the return of Condo London 2025,a city-wide collaboration between artists,enterprises,and venues.This annual event, running from 18 January to 15 February, transforms the city into a vibrant hub of artistic exchange, showcasing works from both emerging and established talents.
- Jannis Kounellis at Sprovieri
The Sprovieri Gallery presents an intimate look at the early works of Jannis Kounellis, the revered artist known for his avant-garde use of unconventional materials. The exhibition, open from 17 January to 28 March, traces Kounellis’ journey from drawing to his iconic installations featuring live animals, including parrots.
- Jake Grewal at Studio Voltaire
Jake Grewal’s exhibition at Studio voltaire offers a queer reinterpretation of the Romantic landscape tradition. Grewal’s panoramic paintings, on display until 13 April, blend lush natural imagery with themes of identity and belonging, creating a powerful visual narrative.
Image of the week: A Portrait of Grief and Beauty
This week’s standout image is the Portrait of Boy with Red Tunic and Gold Chain, part of the Nins collection. The Florentine school masterpiece, captured by Alamy, is a poignant reminder of the transformative power of art. The work is tied to the story of Yannick and Ben Jakober, who channeled their grief over the loss of their daughter into creating a collection that celebrates life and memory.
Key Exhibitions at a Glance
| Exhibition | Artist/gallery | Dates | Highlights |
|————————–|——————————|—————————|—————————————————————————–|
| Acaye Kerunen | Pace Gallery | Until 22 February | Richly textured sculptures and wall hangings |
| David Hockney | Science and Media Museum | Until 18 May | Photographic experiments by Bradford’s most famous artist |
| Condo London 2025 | Various London Galleries | 18 January – 15 February | City-wide collaboration of artists and galleries |
| Jannis Kounellis | Sprovieri | 17 January – 28 March | Early drawings and iconic installations |
| Jake Grewal | Studio Voltaire | Until 13 April | Queer reinterpretation of Romantic landscapes |
Why These Exhibitions Matter
London’s art scene in 2025 is a testament to the city’s enduring role as a global cultural capital.From acaye Kerunen’s evocative sculptures to Jake Grewal’s reimagined landscapes, these exhibitions offer fresh perspectives and bold narratives. Whether you’re a seasoned art enthusiast or a curious newcomer, there’s something for everyone to explore.
Don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in these groundbreaking shows. Plan your visit today and experience the transformative power of art firsthand.The Nins: A Unique Collection of Child Portraits That Tells a Story of Grief and Legacy
In the heart of Mallorca, Spain, lies a one-of-a-kind art collection that transcends time and emotion. Known as The Nins, this unusual assemblage of 165 portraits captures the innocence and vulnerability of children from the 16th to the 19th centuries. Commissioned by european royalty and aristocracy, these works were created by renowned artists such as Ottavio Leoni, Frans Pourbus the Younger, and François Quesnel. Yet, behind the brushstrokes lies a poignant narrative of loss—many of the children depicted did not live to adulthood.
The collection is housed at the Museo Sa Bassa Blanca, a cultural gem on the island. It was curated by yannick Ben Jakober and her partner, who channeled their personal grief into amassing these portraits. “The Nins is more than just art; it’s a testament to the fragility of life,” Jakober shared in an interview.
A Glimpse into History
The portraits in The Nins collection are not merely artistic masterpieces; they are ancient documents. Each painting offers a window into the lives of children who were often born into privilege but faced the harsh realities of mortality. The works span centuries, showcasing evolving artistic styles and societal norms. From the intricate details of 16th-century attire to the softer, more emotive brushwork of the 19th century, the collection is a visual journey through time.
The Artists Behind the Masterpieces
Ottavio Leoni, known for his detailed portraiture, captures the delicate features of his subjects with precision. Frans Pourbus the Younger, a court painter to European royalty, brings a regal elegance to his works.François Quesnel, celebrated for his ability to convey emotion, imbues his portraits with a sense of innocence and vulnerability. Together, these artists have created a collection that is as much about artistry as it is about humanity.
The Emotional Core
What sets The Nins apart is its emotional depth.The collection was born out of Jakober’s personal loss, and this grief is palpable in the curation. Each portrait tells a story—of a life cut short, of a parent’s love, of a moment frozen in time. “These children were loved, and their portraits are a way to remember them,” Jakober explained.
A Modern Home for Historical Art
The Museo Sa Bassa Blanca provides the perfect setting for The Nins. The museum, known for its eclectic collections, blends historical and contemporary art seamlessly. Visitors can explore the child portraits alongside modern installations, creating a dialog between past and present.
Key highlights of The Nins Collection
| Artist | Era | Notable work |
|————————–|—————|————————————–|
| Ottavio Leoni | 16th Century | Portrait of a Young nobleman |
| Frans Pourbus the younger| 17th Century | Child of the Spanish Court |
| François Quesnel | 18th Century | The Innocent Gaze |
Why The Nins Matters
In a world where art often serves as a reflection of society, The Nins stands out for its emotional resonance. it reminds us of the universal experiences of love, loss, and memory. For art enthusiasts and historians alike, the collection offers a unique opportunity to connect with the past on a deeply personal level.
Plan Your Visit
If you’re planning a trip to Mallorca, a visit to the museo Sa Bassa blanca is a must. Immerse yourself in the beauty and poignancy of The Nins and discover the stories behind these timeless portraits.
For more details about the collection and its creators,read the full story here.The Nins is more than an art collection—it’s a legacy of love, loss, and the enduring power of memory.
Ludovico Carracci’s Susannah and the Elders: A Masterpiece of Ambivalence and religious Tension
In 1616, Ludovico Carracci painted Susannah and the Elders, a work that continues to provoke thought about the male gaze, religious morality, and the depiction of female nudity in art. The painting, now housed at the National Gallery, London, captures a moment of vulnerability and voyeurism, offering a window into the complexities of Counter-Reformation art.
The Scene: A Compressed Garden of Shadows
The painting depicts Susannah, a biblical figure, hunched over in a shadowy garden as she bathes. Two voyeuristic old men surprise her, and one pulls back her blue covering, revealing her bare upper body—though not entirely. This partial exposure creates a tension between modesty and voyeurism,a theme that resonates even in today’s discussions about the male gaze.
“In today’s terms, this painting suggests an ambivalence about men looking at female nudity,” the original article notes. But for Carracci and his contemporaries, the concern was less about the male gaze and more about the sin of lust. The Counter-Reformation, a period of Catholic revival, placed new religious demands on art, emphasizing moral lessons over aesthetic indulgence.
the Counter-Reformation and Artistic Hypocrisy
the 16th century had seen lavish depictions of nudity in works by masters like Titian and Michelangelo. Carracci, though, approached the subject with caution—or perhaps hypocrisy. His Susannah and the Elders reflects the era’s tension between artistic freedom and religious restraint.
“Carracci is more careful or, perhaps, hypocritical,” the article observes.This carefulness may stem from the Counter-Reformation’s emphasis on piety and moral instruction. Yet,even within these constraints,artists found ways to explore complex themes.
Artemisia Gentileschi: A Feminist Counterpoint
While Carracci’s work reflects the religious anxieties of his time, his contemporary Artemisia Gentileschi offered a different outlook. Gentileschi, a trailblazing female artist, revisited the story of Susannah multiple times, infusing it with autobiographical elements that highlighted the oppression of women.
“This new religious age gave women ways to visualise their oppression,” the article notes, pointing to Gentileschi’s powerful reinterpretations of the Susannah narrative. Her works stand as a stark contrast to Carracci’s more restrained approach, offering a feminist lens on a story frequently enough told through the male gaze.
Key Themes in Susannah and the Elders
| Theme | Description |
|————————–|———————————————————————————|
| Voyeurism | the Elders’ intrusion into Susannah’s private moment reflects societal power dynamics. |
| Religious Morality | The painting aligns with Counter-Reformation ideals, emphasizing the sin of lust. |
| Female Vulnerability | Susannah’s hunched posture and partial nudity highlight her vulnerability.|
| Artistic Restraint | Carracci’s careful depiction contrasts with earlier, more explicit Renaissance works. |
Why This Masterpiece Still Matters
Carracci’s Susannah and the Elders is more than a historical artifact; it’s a lens through which we can examine enduring questions about power,morality,and representation.The painting’s ambivalence about nudity and voyeurism speaks to contemporary debates about consent and the male gaze, while its religious undertones remind us of the complex interplay between art and faith.
For those interested in exploring this masterpiece further, the National Gallery, London offers an in-depth look at the painting’s history and significance.
Stay Informed with Art Weekly
If you’re passionate about art and design, don’t miss out on the latest news and insights. Sign up for the Art Weekly newsletter to receive regular updates directly in your inbox.
Have Questions or Comments?
We’d love to hear from you! If you have any thoughts about this article or our newsletters, feel free to email us.
—
Ludovico carracci’s Susannah and the Elders remains a compelling exploration of morality, power, and artistry. Whether viewed through the lens of its time or our own, it continues to challenge and inspire.
Constraints, Carracci manages to create a work that is both visually compelling and thematically rich. The painting’s composition, with its interplay of light and shadow, draws the viewer’s eye to Susannah’s vulnerability, while the expressions of the elders convey their predatory intent. This duality—beauty and danger,innocence and corruption—lies at the heart of the painting’s enduring power.
The Male Gaze: Then and Now
Carracci’s Susannah and the Elders invites modern viewers to reflect on the male gaze, a concept that has become central to contemporary discussions of art and gender. The painting’s voyeuristic elements—the elders’ leering faces, Susannah’s exposed body—highlight the power dynamics at play. Yet, as the article notes, Carracci’s primary concern was not the male gaze but the sin of lust. This distinction underscores the cultural and religious context in which the painting was created.
For modern audiences,though,the painting’s themes resonate differently. It serves as a reminder of how art has historically objectified women, even as it sought to convey moral lessons.The tension between modesty and voyeurism in Carracci’s work mirrors ongoing debates about representation and consent in art and media.
Carracci’s Legacy: A Master of Ambivalence
Ludovico Carracci was a pivotal figure in the transition from the Renaissance to the Baroque period. Along with his cousins, Agostino and Annibale Carracci, he founded the bolognese School, which emphasized naturalism and emotional depth.Susannah and the Elders exemplifies these qualities, blending technical mastery with psychological complexity.
the painting’s ambivalence—its ability to provoke both admiration and discomfort—has ensured its place in art history. It challenges viewers to grapple with uncomfortable truths about power, morality, and representation. In doing so,it remains as relevant today as it was in 1616.
Plan Your Visit
If you’re in London, a visit to the National Gallery to see Susannah and the Elders is a must. The painting’s intricate details and emotional depth reward close examination, offering a glimpse into the complexities of Counter-Reformation art.For more facts, visit the National Gallery’s website.
Carracci’s masterpiece is more than just a painting; it’s a conversation starter, a mirror to the past, and a lens through which to view the present. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or a casual observer, Susannah and the Elders is sure to leave a lasting impression.
—
Both The Nins and Susannah and the Elders remind us of the power of art to evoke emotion, provoke thought, and connect us to the past. Whether through the poignant innocence of children’s portraits or the complex interplay of morality and desire, these works invite us to reflect on the human experience in all its beauty and fragility.
