Next week, London will host a free exhibition dedicated to the surrealist painter René Magritte, featuring major works from his four-decade career alongside new pieces by contemporary artists. Titled 'This Is Still Not a Pipe: The Afterlife of Magritte,' the show will take place at Gagosian Grosvenor Hill in Mayfair.
What the exhibition includes
The display will include paintings, works on paper, sculptures, and photography, showcasing Magritte's iconic motifs such as apples, floating bowler hats, pipes, and clouds. Many of the works have been loaned by museums and private collectors, including 'La Lampe philosophique (The Philosopher's Lamp)' from 1936, which was previously shown at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) 20 years ago. That painting was created shortly before the International Surrealist Exhibition held in London in 1936, which featured a gouache of the same image.
Contemporary artists from different generations have created new works specifically for the exhibition, which will be displayed alongside the Magritte originals, offering a dialogue between the master's legacy and current artistic practice.
Gagosian on Magritte's lasting influence
Larry Gagosian, owner of the gallery, said: 'It is difficult to imagine a world today without Magritte. Almost six decades after his death, his influence continues to resonate within contemporary artistic production, and beyond into the broader landscape of visual culture – shaping advertising, design, fashion, and even music.'
He added: 'I am delighted to be presenting his work at the gallery once again, and to offer audiences a renewed opportunity to engage with the poetry, wit, and mystery that define his vision.'
Practical details and broader context
The exhibition is free to visit, making it accessible to a wide audience. It comes amid a busy period for London's art scene, with the Barbican having announced its 2027 art programme featuring a high fashion takeover, and the UK's biggest Monet exhibition in a decade set to open at Tate Modern next year. Visitors can expect a comprehensive look at Magritte's enduring impact on visual culture, from advertising and design to fashion and music.
