May Arts Newsletter
My exhibition with Shamani Surendran opens today, details above. The Private View is this evening, if you would like to come but haven't yet told me email me. The exhibition takes its title from the first line of Robert Frost's poem 'Nothing Gold Can Stay' and looks at the fleeting nature of beauty and life and how we need to grasp every moment.
On top of that it's May, the best month. The trees look are all green and everything looks fantastic especially with this burst of sunshine we are enjoying.
Beverley Brook 54x64cm framed, oil on canvas
One of the paintings in my exhibition, opening today.
Other exhibitions to see this month
After two years of renovations the Sainsbury Wing of the National Gallery is reopening this month. They have ruhung over 1,000 works and rather than the traditional Western European art history narrative, they have introduced themed rooms on types of paintings like colours or flowers, paired together across the centuries. The new look is called CC Land: The Wonder of Art. CC Land being the Chinese construction sponsor of the National Gallery. There are new cafes/shops/restaurants too.
I do appreciate that it's difficult for museums to make ends meet so they do need extra revenue streams but why spend £85m redoing a 1991 building if you don't have deep coffers? I'm also a bit nervous that the wonder and historical value of the amazing NG collection will be lost in the novelty and commercialisation of this rehang. However, it will be lovely to have it open again and I will go and look with an open mind (I promise!).
CC Land: The Wonder of Art at the National Gallery from 10 May
Cartier is the latest V&A exhibition sure to bring in the crowds. It could easily have run the risk of becoming a huge Cartier advertorial but by all accounts this has been beautifully curated and what we see are eye-popping jewels made by true craftsmen (and often owned by A-list celebs; Grace Kelly's engagement ring and Princess Anne's tiara anyone??). Classy bling. V&A until 16Nov
Hiroshige: Artist of the Open Road celebrates the landscapes of Japan through the stunning work of Hiroshige (1797-1858). The exhibition has prints, drawings, books and paintings and explores the breadth of Hiroshige's influence, particularly amongst European turn of the century artists like Van Gogh. I'm looking forward to seeing this. British Museum until 7 Sept 25
I did it! Thank you SO much to everyone who supported me through sponsorship or cheering in the London Marathon, it was hugely appreciated. It turned out to be quite a lot harder than expected, mostly because it was so hot.
It was still a fantastic experience though and I made it round in 4hr10min which I am really happy with. I raised over £4,400 for Sue Ryder which I know will be put to excellent use. Marathon now done, tick!
PS. Did you spot the April Fool in last month's newsletter? It was Prince Harry having the exhibition at the Royal Academy. It isn't happening, not yet anyway...
Get in touch
katharine@katharinerowe.com
www.katharinerowe.com
