Blockbuster exhibitions in the South
Planning an art excursion in the South of England? From Andy Warhol's Pop art at MK Gallery to Nicolas Party's colourful installations at the Holburne Museum, 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
Nicolas Party: Copper & Dust
Bask in the colourful world of Nicolas Party. The Switzerland born artist has created site-specific murals and immersive installations that combine his early experience as a graffiti artist with his love for 18th-century pastels.
James Ravilious: An English Eye
See the world through the eyes of a beloved chronicler of rural Devon and its communities. James Ravilious' black and white photographs captured the life and landscapes of the region, and took over 80,000 images of its people and places, documenting everything from daily life on the farm to garden parties.
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.
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.