Turbulent Strindberg

The Tate Modern February 17 to May 1 exhibition is devoted to the paintings of August Strindberg, the Swedish writer and an artist of powerful, radical, abstract landscapes.

Strindberg painted to break writers block or when his personal life was turbulent. He painted waves, rocks and ever-changing skies in a vast array of compositions, colour palettes and moods with chance playing a vital role in the creative process.
These works can also be seen as symbolic self-portraits, offering an illuminating insight into the mind of this often troubled genius.

Big Boys Games

Christies in New York has arranged the private sale by the wealthy Belgian Stoclet family of Madonna by Duccio to the Metropolitan Museum of Art for $45 million - believed to be the most money the Met has ever paid for a single art object.
The Louvre, who do not have a Duccio, showed a sudden, late interest in the picture during the negotiation with the Met and the price skyrocketed. Christie dangled the possibility to the Met that the Louvre would get the work - so the Met paid up.
Irish Art

The Final Years

Caravaggio, who was often arrested and imprisoned, murdered a man in a duel then went on the run. He finally died on a beach of fever contracted after a mistaken arrest. All in all, it cannot be said to have been a dull life.
His exhibition surfaces at the National Gallery, London for what must be one of the highlight shows of 2005 in the UK. From February 23rd. Exceptional historical works.
Irish Art

Masters of Light

The February show at Tate Britain of Turner, Whistler and Monet may, at first glance, seem eccentric and unconnected. What binds them together is their status as "masters of light".
The exhibition begins on February 10th and runs to May 15th - it is sure to be something special.
Irish Art

Triumph of Watercolour

From February 2nd until April 24th, lovers of the art of watercolour will descend on Dulwich Picture Gallery to see "The Triumph of Watercolour". This surveys the early years of the Royal Watercolour Society to 1850 including the time when masters like Turner were at the peak of their artistic powers.
Irish Art