by Dan Kirschner
1958, charcoal & chalk on paper by Frank Auerbach (1931-2024), private collection
Hello fellow members of the Barnet Guild of Artists,
I hope you’ve had a wonderful and creative autumn! I’ve heard great things about our Annual Exhibition – it sounds like it was a real success. Unfortunately, I was abroad at the time, so I missed out on experiencing it myself.
In the summer newsletter, I recommended listening to This Cultural Life featuring Frank Auerbach on BBC Sounds. Sadly, Frank passed away last month, which makes his reflections all the more poignant.
Exhibitions
Following up on my last newsletter, I received a few lovely exhibition suggestions from members. Barbara Solomon kindly recommended Burgh House in Hampstead (Burgh House Exhibitions) and Kenwood House, also in Hampstead.
I’ve since visited Kenwood House twice and haven’t yet seen everything on offer – there’s so much to take in! I particularly enjoyed the Spotlight Talks which were both informative and entertaining (Kenwood Spotlight Talks).
Over at Tate Britain, you can explore the incredible work of JMW Turner. Described as the ‘father of modern art’, Turner revolutionised painting with his daring use of brushwork and colour. His depictions of the modern world were unlike anything seen before, earning him a well-deserved place in British art history. The Tate has 9 rooms dedicated to his work. For more details, visit JMW Turner at Tate Britain.
For something more contemporary, The Lightroom near King’s Cross is currently showcasing “VOGUE: Inventing the Runway” (Lightroom Exhibitions). I’m planning to visit in January – if any of you have been, do share your thoughts!
Viewing and Listening
If you’re interested in Turner, Tate also offers a series of three short videos titled “How to Paint Like Turner”. It’s a great way to explore his techniques and style. You can watch them here: How to Paint Like Turner.
Competitions and Exhibitions
Jackson’s Art Prize is now open for submissions. The deadline is 25th February 2025. For more info, visit Jackson's Art Prize.
The Mall Galleries is inviting artists to exhibit at the Royal Society of British Artists (RBA) Annual Exhibition 2025. The deadline for entries is 8th January 2025. More details here: RBA Annual Exhibition 2025.
Wishing you all a joyful festive season and a very creative 2025!
Warm regards,
Dan Kirschner
BGA Committee Member
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