Art Weekly: A Deep Dive into Freud, John's Homecoming and Van Eyck's Masterpiece
This week's art scene offers a rich tapestry of exhibitions across the UK, from London to Cardiff and beyond. The spotlight shines on master portraitist Lucian Freud, whose artistic process is meticulously unpacked in a major London show.
Exhibition of the Week: Lucian Freud's Artistic Journey
Lucian Freud: Drawing Into Painting at the National Portrait Gallery in London provides an unparalleled insight into the great artist's methodology. Running from 12 February to 4 May, this exhibition traces Freud's portrait process from initial sketches on paper to the final, layered works on canvas. Visitors can explore the evolution of his distinctive style, which revolutionised figurative painting in the 20th century.
Also Showing: Highlights from Across the UK
The week features several other notable exhibitions:
- Gwen John: Strange Beauties at the National Museum Cardiff celebrates one of Britain's most original early 20th-century artists. From 7 February to 28 June, this homecoming exhibition showcases John's authentic and intimate works in her native Wales.
- Lynda Benglis and Giacometti at the Barbican in London presents a fascinating dialogue. From 12 February to 31 May, Benglis – known for subverting minimalism with molten, slumping forms – engages with the legacy of Alberto Giacometti.
- Vincent Hawkins at the Tracey Emin Foundation in Margate offers expressive paintings by the Kent coast-based artist. This show runs from 7 February to 29 March.
- Origin Stories at the Royal Scottish Academy in Edinburgh explores the history of Scottish art schools since 1826. This exhibition continues until 8 March.
Masterpiece of the Week: Van Eyck's Penetrating Gaze
Portrait of a Man (Self-Portrait?) by Jan van Eyck, painted in 1433, remains a cornerstone of Western art. Housed at the National Gallery in London, this work demonstrates Van Eyck's revolutionary observational skills. The painting's subject – likely the artist himself – gazes with cool, calm openness, capturing every detail with unprecedented clarity.
Van Eyck's meticulous attention to flesh tones, stubble, wrinkles and the extravagant red headdress creates a living presence that transcends nearly 600 years. The bold inscription, "Jan van Eyck made me on 21st October 1433," emphasises the artist's pride and marks a pivotal moment when observation became central to painting.
Image of the Week: Botanical Connections
Artist Charmaine Watkiss explores the botanical links between the Caribbean, the UK and Africa in the context of the transatlantic slave trade. Her illustrated portraits depict women of African descent alongside medicinal plants, evoking the herbal knowledge that travelled with enslaved people. This powerful work highlights survival and cultural continuity through botanical heritage.
What We Learned: Art World Insights
This week's art news included several significant developments:
- Gabrielle Goliath sued South Africa's arts minister over the banning of her Venice Biennale show.
- An angel resembling Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni was removed from a Rome church fresco.
- Marina Abramović and other artists are featured in Kerala's Fort Cochin biennale.
- Sarah Sze discussed creating art that "unravels over time."
- Daisy Lafarge turned to painting as a response to acute pain.
- A new exhibition examined diverse representations of the human body in film.
- A painting of Donald Trump conducting an orchestra sparked debate.
- Ovid's Metamorphoses inspired a wide-ranging show at the Rijksmuseum.
- Claire Tabouret's stained-glass windows offered a fresh perspective on Notre Dame.
- A hidden detail in an Anne Boleyn portrait was interpreted as a "witchcraft rebuttal."
This week's art offerings demonstrate the vibrant and diverse cultural landscape across the UK, from historical masterpieces to contemporary explorations.
