Blockbuster exhibitions in the South
Planning an art excursion in the South of England? From Andy Warhol's Pop art at MK Gallery to a celebration of pioneering artist-activist Barbara Steveni at Modern Art Oxford, don't miss out on the biggest exhibitions.
The South of England is brimming with cultural hotspots, from visitor favourites such as Tate St Ives and the Holburne Museum to historic houses like artists' haven Charleston and literary retreat Chawton House.
And there's plenty to see and do with a rolling programme of must-see exhibitions running throughout the year. Whether you're a history buff or fascinated by the new, you're bound to find an exhibition you'll love.
Here's our guide to some of the biggest blockbuster exhibitions in the South open now.
Don't forget to pack your National Art Pass to get great benefits at every venue, and check out our full listings for more upcoming exhibitions.
Discover some of the best exhibitions in the South of England with an Art Pass
Vanessa Bell: A World in Form and Colour
A pioneering artist, central figure in British modernism, and founding member of the Bloomsbury group – Vanessa Bell's unbridled creativity goes on display in this major exhibition, the largest ever dedicated to her life and work. Marvel at over 100 works on display, from paintings to textiles, furniture design to book covers. And while you're at Charleston in Lewes, explore their corresponding exhibition by contemporary artist Koak, who has created a body of new paintings inspired by Bell.
Barbara Steveni: I Find Myselff
Meet an artist who was dedicated to making a social impact through her art. Barbara Steveni's work blurred the lines between activism, participation and research, while drawing on her personal life and experience as a mother who had to juggle multiple responsibilities, from domestic to professional.
Andy Warhol: Portrait of America
Pop art was an era-defining art movement and Andy Warhol remains its leading figure. His iconic screen prints of soup cans, celebrities and other markers of consumerism are deeply imprinted into visual culture, making him one of the most recognisable artists to this day. Experience the boundary-pushing artist in this major retrospective, with a staggering 130 works on display.
Barbara Walker: Being Here
Explore Barbara Walker's works from the 1990s to today in the first major exhibition dedicated to the British artist. Her paintings and drawings, including the Turner Prize nominated series Burden of Proof, create space for Black presence, power and belonging.
Resistance
Artist and blockbuster filmmaker Steve McQueen has organised this major exhibition of protest photography in Britain from 1903 to 2003. See photographs from celebrated and forgotten moments of resistance in British history by renowned photographers alongside unknown documentarians.
Ithell Colquhoun: Between Worlds
Surrealist painter, innovative writer, practicing occultist. Ithell Colquhoun was a versatile artist who worked across different disciplines, connected by her lifelong spiritual pursuit of a divine feminine power as a means of self-discovery. Don't miss the exhibition's highlight: a room devoted to the Tarot deck she designed, blending her creative and magical practice.
Gladiators of Britain
Marvel at the spectacle of gladiatorial competitions in Roman Britain's amphitheatres. Historic artefacts reveal the violent spectacles and fascinating stories behind these combatants and entertainers.
Anselm Kiefer: Early Works
Immerse yourself in the rarely-seen early works of Anselm Kiefer, a post-war artist most recognised for his colossal paintings and installations exploring Germany's dark history and cultural legacy.
Tadek Beutlich: On and Off the Loom
Weave your way through the life, work and legacy of Polish textile artist Tadek Beutlich, whose revolutionary tapestries pushed boundaries by blending fine art with craft. Don't miss the display of Dream Revealed, a monumental weaving that hasn't been displayed in 50 years.
Dora Carrington: Beyond Bloomsbury
A bohemian who defied societal norms – meet Dora Carrington, a Bloomsbury Group figure once deemed 'the most neglected serious painter of her time'. This exhibition is the first major showcase of Carrington's work since 1995 and demonstrates her significant contribution to modern British art through paintings, drawings, prints, photographs and film.
The more you see, the more we do.
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