Two new exhibitions in the UK are spotlighting the often chaotic interplay of motherhood and art. One of these, “Sorry About the Mess,” showcases over 20 artist-mothers at Meta’s former offices in London, a venue chosen for its stark contrast of office decor with the theme of motherhood and creativity. Organised by Millie Walton, who founded Babe Station to discuss art and motherhood post-children, the exhibition emerged from workshops she conducted for new mothers.

Co-curators include Niamh Gordon, overseeing written works, and Nefeli Sidiropoulou, managing the installation design. Featured artists include Holly Stevenson, Sophie Goodchild, and Tamarin Norwood, the latter presenting a poignant audio work reflecting on her own heartbreaking experience of motherhood.

The dialogue around motherhood in art is evolving, especially since the pandemic, though some artists resist engagement due to feeling pigeonholed. Writer Hettie Judah has initiated “Acts of Creation: On Art and Motherhood,” to address historic biases against artist-mothers, remarking on society’s earlier expectations that separated artistic identity from motherhood.

Judah notes that while representation of mother-artists is improving, practical barriers like childcare costs continue to hinder their work. Many mothers face challenges maintaining art studios due to financial constraints, which can limit their creative output.

Both exhibitions aim to raise awareness of the complexities faced by artist-mothers and celebrate the artistic contributions they make, balancing career and parenting. “Sorry About the Mess” runs until 30 March at 125 Shaftesbury Avenue, while the touring exhibition “Acts of Creation” opens in Dundee from 19 April to 13 July.

The UK exhibitions “Sorry About the Mess” and “Acts of Creation” reflect changing perceptions of motherhood in the arts, highlighting challenges that artist-mothers face. While societal attitudes are shifting toward acceptance, practical issues like childcare remain significant hurdles. These exhibitions not only celebrate artistic expression but also foster conversations about the intersection of motherhood and creativity.

Original Source: www.theartnewspaper.com

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The upcoming Disney+ series, “A Thousand Blows,” presents a fresh perspective on Jamaican characters in Victorian London, navigating the illegal boxing scene during the 1880s. Stars Malachi Kirby and Francis Lovehall portray Hezekiah Moscow and Alec Munroe, respectively, who leave their Caribbean lives behind in pursuit of dreams.

In a discussion on BBC Radio London, Kirby highlighted the show’s focus on the resilience of a working-class community, stating, “It’s a story about a working-class community who go through life’s travails and they get knocked down and get back up.” Lovehall added that the struggle for success in that era is particularly significant for the characters.

Lovehall characterized Alec Munroe as loving and devoted to his dreams while also considering others before himself. The series is inspired by real individuals, both characters having ties to the historical Morant Bay rebellion in Jamaica, which led to their migration to London.

Kirby noted the unique portrayal of Jamaica in this period, asserting, “It’s a Jamaica that we haven’t really seen depicted before.” The creators, including Steven Knight and executive producer David Olusoga, aimed to showcase a more nuanced view of historical narratives, enriching the story of Hezekiah and Alec.

The show features positive narratives of hope and ambition, diverging from typical depictions of Jamaican characters in historical contexts. “It centres a different narrative – I’ve never watched something that follows two Jamaican men with dreams that aren’t enslaved,” said Lovehall.

Series one of “A Thousand Blows” is currently available on Disney+ in the UK. Follow BBC London on various social media platforms for updates.

The Disney+ series “A Thousand Blows” aims to reshape perceptions of Jamaican individuals in Victorian London. With an emphasis on resilience and ambition amid societal challenges, it showcases the lives of two real men who overcame adversity. The series not only tells their story but also seeks to highlight a lesser-known cultural narrative of Jamaica during that time.

Original Source: www.bbc.com

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Fish marked a poignant farewell at his final show in London, dubbed “The Journey To The Isles,” held at the iconic Palladium. This sold-out performance resonated with deep emotions, reflecting a profound bond between him and his audience developed over 44 years since his time with Marillion. The venue’s grandeur contrasted the intimate and personal nature of Fish’s music, creating a memorable atmosphere for this farewell concert.

The support act, Alissimon, featured the daughter of original Marillion bassist Diz Minnitt. Their charming debut set captivated the crowd, showcasing a promising future with a unique sound. Tracks like “Same Old World” and “Rain Hits The Deck” demonstrated their talent, potentially foreshadowing their rise in the music scene.

As he prepared to retire, Fish acknowledged this as a genuine farewell rather than a typical farewell tour. He expressed that he will return to being Derek after the tour, underscoring the personal significance of this performance. The evening was a celebration of his extensive musical career and relationships formed through his art.

Opening with “Vigil In A Wilderness Of Mirrors,” Fish delivered a powerful performance alongside a full band, engaging the audience with familiar songs. Notable tracks like “Credo” and “Big Wedge” resonated both musically and thematically with current events, bridging the past and present. Throughout the night, Fish’s infectious energy emphasised the connection he shares with his long-time fans.

The concert also highlighted Fish’s lyrical depth, with heartfelt tributes like “Cliché” dedicated to his wife Simone, showcasing his emotional range. The night concluded with an encore featuring classics, including “Kayleigh” and “Raw Meat,” leaving the audience with a message of resilience. Although he may step back from performing, Fish’s musical legacy promises to endure.

Fish’s final performance at the Palladium was not just a concert but a heartfelt farewell to his fans, encapsulating a journey of nearly half a century. The evening showcased both nostalgia and new beginnings, as demonstrated by the promising act Alissimon and Fish’s poignant reflections on his career. As he transitions into a new chapter, Fish leaves behind a legacy that has profoundly impacted his followers.

Original Source: www.metaltalk.net

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Erdem Moralioglu unveils his Fall 2025 collection, collaborating with painter Kaye Donachie, a fellow Royal College of Art graduate. This vibrant collection features couture shapes adorned with florals and ethereal representations of women. For the first time, Moralioglu draws inspiration from a contemporary figure rather than historical icons, showcasing a shift in his artistic focus.

Kaye Donachie, known for her ghostly portraits, illuminates the collection with her original line drawings, transformed into prints and embellishments. Displayed on sheer organza and silk garments, her work comes alive, enhancing the visual narrative of the pieces. The floral motifs and soft hues resonate like watercolours, creating an enchanting atmosphere reminiscent of a gallery.

The collection features three-dimensional floral designs intricately stitched onto luxurious fabrics, including leather and merino wool. These blooms adorn a variety of pieces, from knitted sweaters to cocoon coats, flowing beautifully as models showcase them. Long gowns in rich, monochrome tones capture the essence of couture, while vibrant sequined dresses shimmer under the lights, paralleling exotic marine life.

Further extending the floral theme, the new handbag line introduces Bloom bags, featuring brass tulips as handles. The collection exemplifies an inspiring fusion of colour, texture, and feminine silhouettes, proving that contemporary influences can be as compelling as historical references in fashion.

Erdem Moralioglu’s Fall 2025 collection marks a significant collaboration with Kaye Donachie, highlighting a fresh focus on contemporary influences. The use of vibrant florals and painterly designs showcases a blend of couture and artistic expression. With an emphasis on modern aesthetics, this collection illustrates how current inspirations can enrich traditional fashion narratives.

Original Source: wwd.com

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A new group exhibition titled ‘Yay, To Have a Mouth!’ is on at the Rose Easton gallery in East London, created in collaboration with Ginny on Frederick. This show examines our complex relationship with the mouth, exploring themes from psychoanalysis to storytelling.

Mouths play a crucial role in connecting our insides to the outside world, serving various functions from eating to expressing emotions. Freud’s theories highlight how an obsession with oral behaviour can persist from childhood into adulthood, inspiring artists to create visceral works reflecting this relationship.

Key pieces include Maggi Hambling’s ‘Prelude’ featuring melting teeth, and Hannah Murray’s ‘Miss Golden’ which portrays a woman with a cigarette, echoing dangerous oral fixations. The exhibition includes works by Jenkin Van Zyl and Rebecca Ackroyd, blending themes of body horror with ecstatic expressions.

Freddie Powell, a collaboration partner, indicates the show features artists who aren’t typically showcased, resulting in a diverse mix exploring bodily and storytelling traditions. The exhibition arose from discussions about the mouth’s various roles in communication and cultural storytelling, influenced by psychoanalytic discourse.

Each artist’s work approaches oral history differently, with Jenkin Van Zyl’s grotesque cake heads providing a humorous twist. Humour is a consistent theme, as Powell mentions the campness in their programming. This playful exhibition delves into our ongoing oral preoccupations, showing that such interests continue into adulthood.

‘Yay, To Have a Mouth!’ runs until 29 March 2025 at Rose Easton gallery. Curator Emily Steer, a cultural journalist, underscores the show’s ability to provoke emotions and reactions, paralleling the complexities of the mouth itself.

The exhibition ‘Yay, To Have a Mouth!’ at Rose Easton gallery highlights the multifaceted relationship we have with our mouths, exploring themes of psychology, storytelling, and bodily representations. Featuring a variety of artists, the display provocatively intertwines humour and grotesque expressions, showcasing how oral fixations persist into adulthood. Overall, it reveals the significant impact this often-overlooked body part has on our lives.

Original Source: www.wallpaper.com

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Christine Youldon, a former Maidenhead lawyer turned portrait artist, will exhibit her work at the Mall Galleries in London next month. Her solo exhibition, titled ‘Players: All the World’s a Stage,’ showcases portraits of renowned British stage actors including Dame Siân Phillips, Sir Simon Russell Beale, and Sir Patrick Stewart.

The exhibition includes 35 oil paintings highlighting both on-stage talents and behind-the-scenes figures like directors and theatre managers. Youldon, inspired by her love for theatre and driven by a desire to support theatre charities, has created these works to celebrate the art of theatre through portraiture.

Christine began painting actors 15 years ago after encouragement from her art teacher at Newlands Girls’ School. After initially pursuing a career in law, she transitioned to full-time art, creating a strong link between art and theatre in her work.

Her previous solo exhibition in London featured portraits of judges and legal figures, generating considerable media attention. The upcoming exhibition, running from March 18 to 22, will feature a silent auction with proceeds benefiting theatre charities through Acting for Others. Admission is free, and the exhibition operates from 10am to 5pm daily. For further details, visit christineyouldon.uk.

Christine Youldon’s upcoming exhibition at the Mall Galleries brings together portraits of notable theatre figures to celebrate the connection between art and theatre. The exhibition not only showcases renowned actors but also supports theatre charities through an auction of her works. This follows her successful debut in London, marking another significant milestone in her artistic career.

Original Source: www.maidenhead-advertiser.co.uk

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Two of Vincent Van Gogh’s paintings from his tumultuous year of 1889 are now presented at London’s Courtauld Gallery. The works, ‘The Ward in the Hospital in Arles’ and ‘The Courtyard of the Hospital in Arles,’ showcase his experiences during recovery after a mental health crisis, specifically following his infamous act of self-mutilation.

Art historians speculate on Van Gogh’s mental state leading to the incident, questioning whether it was influenced by his brother Theo’s engagement news, auditory hallucinations, or alcohol withdrawal. Despite these struggles, Van Gogh had a prolific period in Arles, producing famous artworks until his conflict with Paul Gauguin and recurring psychosis.

Following his self-harm, Van Gogh admitted himself to Hôtel-Dieu Saint-Esprit, where he remained for two weeks and subsequently for longer stays. He later voluntarily entered a psychiatric facility in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, staying for a year. During his hospitalisation, he created various self-portraits and depictions of his surroundings, showcasing his determination to continue working.

‘The Ward in the Hospital in Arles’ presents a distorted view of the ward where he recuperated, intentionally creating a destabilising perspective. The foreground depicts patients gathered around a stove, implying social interactions amid their confinement. In contrast, ‘The Courtyard of the Hospital in Arles’ reflects the beauty of spring foliage but hints at melancholy with dark imagery among the greenery.

These paintings remained in Switzerland for over a century and are displayed alongside Van Gogh’s ‘Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear.’ They’re part of the ‘Goya to Impressionism’ exhibition, highlighting a connection to both Van Gogh’s profound artistry and the broader implications of mental health in creative expression.

The Courtauld’s display allows these rarely seen works to share space with masterpieces from artists like Goya and Monet, providing a rich context for viewers to explore Van Gogh’s inner struggles and triumphs through his art.

Vincent Van Gogh’s hospital paintings offer an intimate glimpse into his turbulent period in 1889. Displayed for the first time outside Switzerland in over a century, they reflect his complex mental state and unwavering dedication to art amidst personal turmoil. This exhibition not only showcases his artistic genius but also invites reflection on the intersection of mental health and creativity.

Original Source: news.artnet.com

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Van Gogh’s painting, “The Ward in the Hospital at Arles” (1889), is now on display at Courtauld Gallery in London, a significant event since this piece hasn’t been seen publicly for a century. The artwork reflects Van Gogh’s personal experience during his hospital stay after he mutilated his ear. It is part of the exhibition showcasing works from the Oskar Reinhart collection.

This is Van Gogh’s only painting depicting the hospital’s interior. In 1923, it was purchased by Elizabeth Workman and later acquired by Reinhart. The exhibition also features another of Van Gogh’s works, “Courtyard of the Hospital at Arles,” adding to the showcase from Reinhart’s collection.

In a letter to his brother Theo after entering the hospital, Van Gogh expressed his thoughts on the experience, writing about the fascinating aspects of hospital life. After multiple incidents concerning his mental health, he was under the care of Dr. Félix Rey, an intern who played a critical role in his treatment.

Despite being confined, Van Gogh was determined to continue painting, focusing on the ward he occupied. His frustration with limited freedom led him to explore and depict his surroundings, making the hospital’s interior his subject. The painting’s perspective creates an illusion of length, enhanced by the crucifix above the chapel door.

Van Gogh completed the work in late April 1889 while preparing to leave for an asylum in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. He enhanced the painting months later by adding figures, showing his ongoing connection to the work. Uniquely, the painting remains unlined, preserving the integrity of Van Gogh’s thick paint.

The original hospital building was transformed into an arts centre in 1986, but regrettably, the men’s ward was demolished. Had it been preserved, it would have drawn many tourists, interested in Van Gogh’s legacy. The arts centre now houses a library and municipal archives, but the loss of the actual ward represents a significant historical gap.

The return of Van Gogh’s “The Ward in the Hospital at Arles” to London is a noteworthy occasion, highlighting the artist’s hospital experiences. The exhibition showcases the painting alongside others from the Oskar Reinhart collection. Unfortunately, the original hospital ward has been lost to demolition but still holds historical significance. The new arts centre serves the community, yet many regret the missed opportunity of preserving Van Gogh’s actual ward.

Original Source: www.theartnewspaper.com

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Papa Roach has donated £20,000 to the mental health charity Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) during their sold-out concert at Wembley Arena in London. The band raised these funds by contributing £1 from each ticket sold on their ‘Rise Of The Roach’ tour, which explores venues across Europe, the UK, and North America.

Jacoby Shaddix, the band’s frontman, expressed excitement about the tour’s launch, stating, “CALM, along with every audience from each tour stop, is now part of our mission to ‘Leave A Light On’ for those who may need help.”

Simon Gunning, CEO of CALM, praised Papa Roach and their fans for their support, highlighting the importance of funding for suicide prevention. He noted that such donations encourage open dialogue about mental health, combating stigma, and ultimately saving lives.

The band has consistently focused on mental health awareness, with Shaddix noting the personal significance of the topic. Reflecting on their first hit “Last Resort,” he remarked, “I know the darkness, and by putting it into my music, it’s connected me with thousands of people.”

Shaddix shared his desire to give back to fans who have helped him throughout his career, aiming to inspire hope and healing through their music. Recently, Papa Roach released a new single titled ‘Even If It Kills Me’ and is planning a North American tour with Rise Against this spring.

Papa Roach’s commitment to mental health awareness and their generous £20,000 donation to CALM illustrates their dedication to societal issues. Their music not only entertains but also resonates with fans, fostering important conversations about mental health. As they continue to tour and release new music, they remain a significant influence in the effort to combat stigma surrounding mental health.

Original Source: www.nme.com

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Music legend Michael Bolton has announced the cancellation of his London O2 concert originally scheduled for July 5. This decision comes as he prioritises recovery from brain cancer surgery. In a heartfelt Instagram statement, Bolton expressed his gratitude for his fans’ support and confirmed that tickets will be automatically refunded.

Bolton revealed he underwent urgent surgery over the Christmas period due to a brain tumour diagnosis. The 71-year-old singer shared that he is recuperating at home, surrounded by family and the support of his medical team. His performance had been rescheduled from a previous date to accommodate his health needs.

The singer, known for the hit “How Am I Supposed To Live Without You,” has a rich musical history. Prior to his solo success, he was part of the band Blackjack and has sold over 75 million records worldwide, securing multiple awards, including six American Music Awards and two Grammys. The anticipated show promised to feature his greatest hits alongside special guest Bonnie Tyler.

Michael Bolton, a celebrated American singer-songwriter, rose to fame in the 1990s with several power ballads. His career showcases over 75 million records sold and numerous accolades in the music industry. Recently, Bolton faced health challenges, including a brain cancer diagnosis and subsequent surgery, which have impacted his ability to tour and perform.

Michael Bolton has had to cancel his much-anticipated London gig as he focuses on recovery following his battle with brain cancer. This decision highlights the importance of prioritising health over performance, and Bolton’s emotional statement reflects his deep connection with his fans. Despite the setback, his illustrious career continues to be a point of inspiration for many.

Original Source: www.express.co.uk

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