The National Gallery in London is one of the greatest art galleries in the world. Founded in 1824, the Gallery houses paintings in the Western European tradition from the late 13th to the early 20th century.
London, UK – There is little doubt that art, culture, and museums have a crucial role to play during times of crisis. As the world attempts to return to a new normal, The National Gallery in London is bringing art outside, with an open-air exhibition of over 20 life-sized replicas of some of the most prominent, influential, and treasured paintings in the collection, including Van Gogh’s ‘Sunflowers‘ (1888), Botticelli’s ‘Venus and Mars‘ (1485), Turner’s ‘The Fighting Temeraire‘ (1839) and John Constable’s ‘The Hay Wain‘ (1821).
From August 3rd to September 2nd, the life-sized reproductions of famous masterpieces, around 3 to 7 feet wide, will be immediately visible to people entering the square from all directions. Visitors will walk among the works and experience them up close, with the Gallery’s neo-classical façade as a background. The open-air gallery will showcase exceptional works from prominent traditions of Western European painting. The largest reproduction will be Titian’s ‘Bacchus and Ariadne‘ (1520-3). Replicas of works by Caravaggio, Vermeer, Gainsborough, and Rembrandt will also be showcased, among other masterpieces from one of the most important collections of paintings worldwide.
This installation in Trafalgar Square, in the heart of London, is being produced in partnership with Westminster City Council. It is the first activity to be announced as part of the Council’s Inside Out Festival – a celebration of art and culture devised to encourage visitors back into London’s West End. Additional activities will be launched later in July as part of Cllr Rachael Robathan, Leader of Westminster City Council’s new borough-wide initiative for Westminster.
The pop-up exhibition will be held alongside ‘Sketch on the Square,’ a series of free, daily alfresco art activities which put emphasis on mindfulness and wellbeing. Thirty easels will be installed on Trafalgar Square, where artists and National Gallery staff will host creative painting and drawing sessions. The sessions are free, together with the other daily activities that will be held for the duration of the outdoor exhibition. Visitors can book a free slot on the National Gallery’s website. – GM
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