To quote the classic scene from Monty Python’s, Life of Brian: “What have the Romans ever done for us?” Of course, the answer is a lot, including art!
This fascinating and FREE new exhibition, The Classical Now, at King’s College London explores how ancient Greco-Roman culture has inspired the imagination of modern artists. The display will look at works by Pablo Picasso, Henry Moore and Roy Lichtenstein, as well as 21st Century icons Damien Hirst and Grayson Perry. Oh, and look out for Leo Caillard’s crazy/brilliant sculpture similar to his creation pictured up top!
The pictures are presented in partnership with Musée d’Art Classique de Mougins and feature stand out classical Greek and Roman artefacts in bronze, marble and mosaics, alongside contemporary painting, sculpture, video and photography. There’ll be 20 pieces on display from the French museum with 50 works in total; many on display in the UK for the first time.
The show will be held across two locations; the Inigo Rooms in the East Wing of Somerset House as well as the Arcade at Bush House on the Strand.
Exhibition curator Michael Squire says: “The exhibition is intended to prompt questions: about how ancient art still captivates and provokes the modern imagination; how contemporary visual culture might help us to see the classical tradition with new eyes; and what modern-day responses can tell us about our own cultural preoccupations.”
Fri March 2nd – Sat April 28th, 2018: Tues – Sat: The Classical Now
The Arcade at Bush House, King’s College London, Strand, WC2B 4PJ
AND The Inigo Rooms, Somerset House East Wing, WC2R 2LS
FREE – For more info click here
