Entering 2023, with the loosening of epidemic prevention policies in different countries, it means that everyone will soon be able to return to the rhythm of traveling abroad as before. The international art world has been silent for two or three years and will also experience a full recovery in the new year! Exhibitions that were postponed due to the epidemic in the past have also announced their reopening this year, which is definitely worth looking forward to. Below, we have selected five art exhibitions that will be held internationally this year, providing you with reference for your art travel plans!
Van Gogh’s Cypresses: 150th Anniversary Exhibition
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York
Exhibition Dates: May 22, 2023 – August 27, 2023
In 2023, the 170th anniversary of the renowned post-impressionist master Vincent van Gogh coincides. The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City explores van Gogh’s groundbreaking artistic style from an unprecedented perspective, with the artist’s iconic cypress tree works as the theme. The cypress trees depicted by van Gogh are undoubtedly among the most famous trees in history. The exhibition will showcase over 40 authentic pieces, with the wheat field, cypress tree, and starry night works as the exhibition’s centerpiece.
Between 1888 and 1889, Van Gogh depicted a series of sketches of cypress trees. Cypress trees held a unique place in Van Gogh’s heart, and he expressed a desire to paint them in a way that would be as iconic as his sunflower works. He described the unique conical shape of the cypress tree as resembling an “Egyptian maiden,” with beautiful lines and proportions. In this exhibition, viewers will be able to see the cypress trees in different poses, romantic and enchanting, through various artworks.
Immersive Exhibition by the British Art Master: ‘David Hockney: BiGGER & CLOSER, not smaller & further away’
London Art and Culture Center Lightroom
Exhibition Period: January 25, 2023 to April 23, 2023
In this exhibition, the immersive art space Lightroom will project the works of the father of pop art onto the walls in a light and shadow manner. From iconic artworks to specially commissioned new works, audiences will be able to embark on a journey through David Hockney’s entire career through sound and vibrant visuals.
Hockney has always been actively exploring various creative techniques in addition to painting. He is also active in photography, design, and stage art, making him a versatile artist. Starting from the iPhone in 2007 and using an electronic pen to paint on the iPad in 2010, the artist enjoys using vibrant colors to depict natural landscapes or scenes. This exhibition allows everyone to fully immerse themselves in his artistic world.
Amsterdam’s Largest Vermeer Exhibition to Date: “Vermeer”
Rijksmuseum
Exhibition Period: February 10, 2023 to June 4, 2023
In spring 2023, the Rijksmuseum, the national museum of the Netherlands, will hold its first-ever retrospective exhibition for the 17th-century Dutch master Johannes Vermeer (1632-1675). With loaned artworks from important art institutions around the world, this is expected to be the largest Vermeer exhibition ever!
This exhibition is jointly presented by the Netherlands National Museum, which owns four authentic Vermeer paintings, and the Mauritshuis Royal Museum in The Hague (Mauritshuis). Both museums have conducted research on this legendary artist’s artistic talent, creative themes, creative motivations, and his painting process. Since there are not many surviving and universally recognized works by Vermeer, this is a very rare opportunity for everyone to appreciate about 30 of his works at once!
Reenactment of Classic Art Performance by the Mother of Performance Art: “Marina Abramović”
London Royal Academy of Arts
Exhibition Period: September 23, 2023 to December 10, 2023
Marina Abramović is one of the most important performance artists in the world. Here, the artist will exhibit her lifelong works for the first time in the UK, including live reenactments of her iconic pieces in the gallery.
In the past 50 years, Marina Abramović has won worldwide acclaim for her avant-garde performance art. She has continuously tested the limits of her physical and mental endurance in her works, inviting the audience to experience with her. In performances such as her most famous piece, “Rhythm 0 (1974),” she positioned herself as the subject of the performance, placing various objects in the space and allowing the audience to interact with her body, even with dangerous objects. The outcome of the performance was unknown, and Marina showcased fear to the audience through her work, leaving them astonished by her boldness!
An exhibition showcasing works by eight art masters including Monet, Picasso, and Chagall: “MMCA Lee Kun-hee Collection: Monet, Picasso, and the Masters of the Belle Epoque”
National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea
Exhibition period: From now until February 26, 2023.
This exhibition showcases a series of private collections by collector Lee Kun-hee, featuring an impressive lineup of artworks! It includes works by eight art masters, including Picasso, Monet, Joan Miró, Chagall, Paul Gauguin, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and Dali, reaching a level of richness comparable to that of a museum.
This exhibition aims to expand appreciation for these eight masters’ works by focusing on their interpersonal networks in Paris. They have all considered Paris as their creative base, and their creative achievements have greatly propelled the development of Western art history. The exhibition will showcase their creative time in Paris and the friendships between artists from a unique perspective.
