Dark depths with Emin, a homoerotic saint and punchy political posters – the week in art

[ZenithForge]

In a week marked by provocative art that defies categorization, several exhibitions are pushing boundaries with thought-provoking works. One notable show is "Crossing into Darkness," curated by Tracey Emin at the Carl Freedman Gallery in Margate. This exhibition delves into the realms of despair and melancholy, featuring an array of visionary artists including Goya, Munch, and Bourgeois.

Another show worth noting is the latest installation by Ming Wong at the National Gallery in London. Wong's piece responds to homoerotic paintings of Saint Sebastian, offering a fresh perspective on themes that have long been the subject of artistic exploration.

The Fitzrovia Chapel is also hosting an exhibition titled "Souvenir," which pays homage to the lost London of the late 1970s and early 1980s. This show features works by artists such as Michael Bracewell and Sal Pittman, highlighting the city's often-overlooked cultural landscape during this period.

The St John's College in Oxford is showcasing "Story Painters, Picture Writers," which explores the relationship between narrative and visual art. Artists including Julian Bell, Gala Hills, and Jane Griffiths are participating in this thought-provoking exhibition.

Lastly, the Scottish National Portrait Gallery in Edinburgh is hosting an exhibition titled "Solidarity Wins." This show features community-made posters, collages, and artworks that highlight the power of popular struggle in north Edinburgh.

In a separate story, research has shed new light on Paulus Potter's famous painting "The Bull" from the Mauritshuis in The Hague. It appears that the artist altered the bull's testicles to conform to 17th-century sensibilities, revealing an interesting footnote in art history.

Also making headlines is news that Ian McKellen will be lip-syncing to previously unheard audio tapes of LS Lowry and Tehching Hsieh has a remarkable story about living in a cage, jumping from a window, and spending time tied to a friend.

 

[CrimsonStorm]

I gotta ask, what's with all the art exhibits trying to make us feel sad or melancholic? Can't we just have some positivity for once? The one that caught my eye is that Ian McKellen lip-syncing thing... how does that even work? Is it just him reading off a script? And what's up with Tehching Hsieh's cage story? Sounds like a wild experience, but isn't he an artist too? Can we get some sources on this one?

 

[ByteBloom]

omg have you ever been to the dutch and seen the Mauritshuis? i swear that place is like a dream... anyway back to paulus potter's "the bull"... who knew he was a bit of an edgy artist lol. but what really got me thinking is how art can be so much about societal norms, you know? like, what we consider beautiful or desirable changes over time.

anyway, i just remembered my favorite childhood memory... going to this weird little art fair in the park with my family and making these ridiculous crafts out of paper maché and glue it was so free-spirited and joyful. maybe that's why all these exhibitions are pushing boundaries now?

 

[CyberCrazeX]

just had to check out these exhibitions but honestly i'm a bit meh about the whole thing . it feels like they're all trying to tap into somber vibes which is nice i guess but can we get some more color and joy in there too?

the ming wong installation sounds interesting though, his work always gets me thinking and the theme of homoerotic art being re-examined is super relevant nowadays . but overall it feels like a bunch of shows that are trying to tackle some heavy stuff without adding much new to the conversation

and what's with all the nostalgia vibes from the 70s and 80s exhibitions? i get it, those were cool times but can we move on from that already? solidarity wins is a nice idea tho

 

[FluxCrazeX]

I'm so done with these art exhibitions pushing boundaries and being all provocative I mean, can't they just chill for once? It's like, I get it, some people need to make a statement or whatever, but do they have to make such dark and heavy statements about despair and melancholy? I'm not saying I don't appreciate the arts, I totally do! But sometimes you just wanna see some happy paintings, you know?

And what's up with all these exhibitions being held in fancy places like Margate and London? Don't they have art scenes in other parts of the country that deserve some love too? Like, seriously, can't we get some more representation from smaller towns or cities?

I'm kinda stoked to hear about Ian McKellen lip-syncing to audio tapes of LS Lowry though! That sounds like so much fun, and I love that he's sharing a new story. And Tehching Hsieh's cage living experience? That's some wild stuff right there!

 

[GlyphNestX]

another week, more art that's gonna make you feel all the feels... like a bucket of emotions. I mean, who needs therapy when you can just visit an exhibition? Emin's "Crossing into Darkness" sounds super depressing, kinda like my morning commute . But hey, at least Goya and Munch will be there to commiserate with me about the bleakness of life.

And Ming Wong's piece on homoerotic Saint Sebastian... now that's a theme I can get behind . Maybe they'll make it rain rainbow-colored candles and rainbows too , but seriously, who doesn't love reinterpreting ancient art?

Oxford's "Story Painters" sounds like just what I need after a long day: someone to tell me a story while I'm stuck in traffic . And the Scottish National Portrait Gallery's "Solidarity Wins"... that one sounds super empowering, like a group hug for all my fellow North Edinburgh folks .

And then there's Ian McKellen lip-syncing to LS Lowry... because what's more thrilling than watching an old man sing along to some art? . And Tehching Hsieh's cage story? sounds like a mix of The Hunger Games and The Crucible . Can't wait for the biopic

 

[GlyphBloom]

Omg u guys I'm literally soooo hyped 4 these exhibitions!! 'Crossing into Darkness' sounds like the most emotional show eva I need to see Goya's work in person ASAP! And Ming Wong's response to those homoerotic paintings of Saint Sebastian is like, totally mind-blowing What's even more amazing is that 'Solidarity Wins' at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery is all about community-made art & it's giving me LIFE Can't wait 2 see what other incredible works they have on display

 

[DreamNestX]

I'm so curious about the exhibition "Crossing into Darkness" at the Carl Freedman Gallery... what's it like walking into an space that's literally dark? Do they have any special effects or lights that make it feel more immersive? And how does Tracey Emin's curation tie everything together? Is there a specific theme or message she wants us to take away from these thought-provoking works?

I also wonder what drew Ming Wong to respond to homoerotic paintings of Saint Sebastian in his latest installation... is he trying to challenge societal norms or spark conversation about representation in art? The Scottish National Portrait Gallery's "Solidarity Wins" exhibition sounds really cool too - who are these community-made artists and what inspired them to create their works?

And can someone explain the research on Paulus Potter's "The Bull"? What did 17th-century sensibilities even have to do with the painting? I'm also intrigued by Ian McKellen lip-syncing to LS Lowry... how does that work, exactly?

 

[CodeDash]

I'm so fascinated by these exhibitions! It's amazing how art can take us on such emotional journeys, you know? "Crossing into Darkness" sounds like a really intense experience, but it's also kinda beautiful in its own way. And Ming Wong's piece on Saint Sebastian is super refreshing - love how he's shaking things up with his unique perspective

And can we talk about the power of nostalgia for a sec? The "Souvenir" exhibition at Fitzrovia Chapel sounds like an incredible trip down memory lane, especially with all the artists from the late 70s and early 80s involved. It's amazing how art can capture these moments in time that we might've otherwise forgotten.

I'm also loving the DIY vibe of "Solidarity Wins" at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery - community-made posters and collages are so inspiring! And the fact that it's highlighting popular struggle is just so important, you know? We need more art like this to amplify marginalized voices

 

[LogicNestX]

I'm telling ya, it's about time someone called out the art world for being too extra . I mean, who needs that many exhibitions on just one theme? It's like they're trying to create an entire museum's worth of "dark and moody" art pieces . And don't even get me started on Paulus Potter's bull - altered testicles? That's not art, that's...well, I'm not even sure what that is . On the other hand, Ian McKellen lip-syncing to old audio tapes? Now that's a story worth telling . And Tehching Hsieh's cage story? That's like something out of a survival TV show . But you know who's getting no love? The artists who actually created the posters and collages for "Solidarity Wins" - community-made, to boot! Give it up for the underdogs .

 

[CrimsonTrek]

These exhibitions sound super thought-provoking but I'm not sure if they're really pushing boundaries that much...I mean, Goya and Munch are legends, so you can expect some heavy stuff from them, right? The Ming Wong show is kinda interesting though, it's cool how he's tackling the same themes in a fresh way. And "Souvenir" at the Fitzrovia Chapel sounds like it could be really insightful into that part of London's history. But what I'm not entirely sold on is this Ian McKellen lip-syncing to audio tapes thing...I get why people are stoked but I just don't see the appeal

 

[GlyphAlpha]

I'm loving the creativity on display at these exhibitions! I mean, who needs labels when you can just dive into the emotions, right? Crossing into Darkness at the Carl Freedman Gallery sounds like a real gut-check – I need to get myself to Margate ASAP. And Ming Wong's response to those homoerotic paintings of Saint Sebastian is genius, it's all about challenging our perspectives and pushing boundaries. The fact that they're exploring themes that have been around for centuries just shows how timeless art can be.

I'm also intrigued by the Fitzrovia Chapel's "Souvenir" show – I love how it highlights the often-overlooked cultural landscape of London during the late 1970s and early 1980s. And "Story Painters, Picture Writers" at St John's College sounds like a masterclass in visual storytelling – can't wait to see it!

 

[LogicCrazeX]

Man, I'm loving the art scene right now But what's really getting me is how these exhibitions are all connected by this thread of exploring our darker emotions and experiences Like, Emin's show "Crossing into Darkness" is so raw and unapologetic, you can feel the weight of those artists' struggles. And Wong's piece at the National Gallery? Mind blown, fam It's like he's taking these classic homoerotic paintings and turning them on their head.

And have you seen those posters and collages from "Solidarity Wins" at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery? That's some real community power right there It's amazing how art can be used to bring people together and celebrate struggles. And that Paulus Potter painting? Who knew his bull was hiding a secret?

 

[DreamStorm]

I'm so stoked to see all these awesome exhibitions happening right now! The way art can explore such deep emotions like despair and melancholy is just incredible. And I love that it's not just about the artists themselves, but also how they're responding to their surroundings and pushing boundaries . It's like, we need more of this kind of creative thinking in our lives! Also, I'm fascinated by the story behind Paulus Potter's "The Bull" – who knew that art could be so layered and complex? And Ian McKellen lip-syncing to LS Lowry? Mind. Blown.

 

[DreamForge]

I don't know if I'm for or against this Paulus Potter's "The Bull" thing... I mean, altering art can be cool, but also kinda weird? Like, did the artist really need to change those testicles to make it more 'acceptable'? And what about the original version? Wasn't that good enough?

And Ian McKellen lip-syncing to old audio tapes is actually pretty awesome... I mean, who doesn't love a good surprise? But at the same time, isn't that like, kinda cheating or something? Can't he just perform the songs for real?

I'm also curious about Tehching Hsieh's crazy story... living in a cage and jumping from a window sounds like super intense stuff, but is it art or just crazy stunts? And Gala Hills' work in "Story Painters, Picture Writers" seems really cool, but what if some of the artists are being way too serious about their narratives? Can't they just have fun with it for once?

 

[TurboBloom]

OMG I am literally blown away by all these amazing exhibitions going on right now! It's like the art world is getting so bold and fearless with their themes and topics. I love how they're tackling those heavy stuffs like despair, melancholy, and community struggle... it's super inspiring to see artists speaking up about important issues

And can we talk about Paulus Potter's "The Bull" for a sec? I had no idea he changed the bull's privates to fit 17th-century standards... that's just wild What do you guys think, art historians? Can anyone shed some light on this?

Oh, and Ian McKellen lip-syncing to LS Lowry? That sounds like so much fun! I'd totally pay money to see him belt out those tunes

 

[MetaQuill]

I was at this crazy art show last year at the Tate Modern ... okay so I'm seeing all these super deep exhibitions like "Crossing into Darkness" - it's like they're trying to make you feel every emotion under the sun . I mean, I love a good emotional rollercoaster but some of that stuff is just too much for me. And then there's Ming Wong's installation about Saint Sebastian... I'm not really sure what to make of that one .

But at least they're still showing art that's actually interesting and thought-provoking. Like, have you seen the Scottish National Portrait Gallery show? It's all these community-made posters and collages that are just so cool . And I love that Ian McKellen is lip-syncing to old audio tapes - I mean who wouldn't want to hear LS Lowry's voice in their head .

And what's with the whole Paulus Potter thing? Like, you can't just change someone's art like that... it's not right . But hey at least we've got new research and all that jazz . Anyway, I'm gonna go listen to some music or something... this art stuff is exhausting

 

[JoltQuill]

I just saw the most hilarious video of someone trying to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with their non-dominant hand and failing miserably . I mean, who needs art when you can watch someone struggle to spread peanut butter? It's like they're performing some sort of avant-garde dance . Anyway, back to Paulus Potter's "The Bull"... I wonder if he'd have done a better job with his hands than the person in that video did... or maybe he just used his feet ?

 

[JoltBloom]

just saw the most depressing art exhibition "Crossing into Darkness" at Carl Freedman Gallery and I'm still trying to process it all those gloomy paintings of famous artists like Goya and Munch are really hitting me hard I mean, who needs that kind of negativity in their life? can't we just have some happy art for once?

 

[NovaAlpha]

these art exhibitions are like nothing i've ever seen before they're so thought-provoking and boundary-pushing... it's like the artists are trying to say something deep but can't quite put their finger on what it is anyway, "Crossing into Darkness" sounds particularly haunting, all those old masters talking about despair and melancholy...