Exhibition of the weekAntony GormleyGormley’s early sculptures are cast from his own body and have a macabre, almost archaeological beauty that recalls prehistoric and ancient Egyptian art.White Cube Mason’s Yard, London, until 8 JuneAlso showingTurner’s Kingdom:Beauty, Birds and BeastsThis exhibition that opens on JMW Turner’s 250th birthday explores a lesser known aspect of his art: his depictions of animals.Turner’s House, London, from 23 April to 26 OctoberLaura Lancaster & Rachel Lancaster: Remember, SomewhereThe identical Lancaster twins are both painters, though with different styles and sensibilities.Baltic, Gateshead, until 12 OctoberThat Marvellous AtmosphereStanley Spencer’s epic vision of a tumultuous, happy occasion, Christ Preaching at Cookham Regatta, gets an airing.Stanley Spencer Gallery, Cookham, until 2 NovemberDavid Salle: Some Versions of PastoralThe postmodernist painterlets AI remix his works, embracing instead of fearing the robot future.Thaddaeus Ropac Gallery, London, until 8 JuneImage of the weekView image in fullscreenPhotograph: Ader/E Robin/E BrossetteA rare bronze of Le Baiser (The Kiss), produced during Rodin’s lifetime and signed by the artist will be auctioned this month.The 60cm-high bronze was one of the first three cast in this size. It was commissioned in 1904 by the Argentine Jockey Club to be presented as a marriage gift to Lucien Mérignac, the French fencing champion, and has since sat in the living room of a family home in western France.It is expected to pass €500,000 at auction.What we learnedMartin Parr went to Japan to photograph cherry blossom season in KyotoAn auction of 40 Roy Lichtenstein works is expected to raise £26mThe Guardian wondered how pleased William Morris would be by his current ubiquityPerth, Australia, is under pressure to drop plans for a seven-metre statue of an astronaut‘Art thief’ Wayne Thiebaud was more than inspired by other artistsThe design for a 12-metre high mosaic for victims of the 2011 Utøya island killings has been revealedMasterpiece of the weekJericho Skull, 8500BC-6000BCView image in fullscreenPhotograph: Zev Radovan/AlamyThis is one of the earliest surviving images of a human face – and one of the most memorable. Thousands of years before the creation of Stonehenge, the creator or creators of this daring sculpture took a real skull, probably of an ancestor or someone recently dead whose being they wanted to preserve, and filled in its lower face with plaster to make it more lifelike. Then they added bright white shells for eyes.The disconcerting thing is how deeply this primitive, ritualistic artwork gets to the essence of portraiture. In Renaissance Florence, the faces of portrait busts were often modelled on death masks in a practice not a million miles from this. In the same era in Bruges, Jan van Eyck gaveone of his painted portraits the inscription “Loyal Remembrance”, expressing the very same desire as the ancient people of Jericho to preserve a person. Photography has made portraiture a still more efficient posthumous preservative. In the era of the selfie, the images of the dead linger as ghosts in the machine. The creator of this object understood art, and death, and the urge to remember.British Museum, LondonSign up to the Art Weekly newsletterIf you don’t already receive our regular roundup of art and design news via email,please sign up here.Get in TouchIf you have any questions or comments about any of our newsletters please emailnewsletters@theguardian.com
Gormley’s early mettle, AI paint pals and sky-high snogs – the week in art
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Highlights from the Art World: Gormley, Turner, and Contemporary Innovations"
The Guardian
9.0
TruthLens AI Summary
This week's art highlights include a notable exhibition of early sculptures by Antony Gormley at White Cube Mason’s Yard in London, where his works, cast from his own body, evoke an archaeological beauty reminiscent of prehistoric and ancient Egyptian art. The exhibition runs until June 8 and showcases Gormley's exploration of the human form through a lens that blends modernity with ancient aesthetics. Additionally, the Turner’s Kingdom exhibition opens on the 250th birthday of JMW Turner, focusing on his lesser-known depictions of animals, running from April 23 to October 26 at Turner’s House in London. Other exhibitions include 'Remember, Somewhere' by twins Laura and Rachel Lancaster at Baltic in Gateshead, showcasing their distinct painting styles until October 12, and Stanley Spencer’s 'Christ Preaching at Cookham Regatta' at the Stanley Spencer Gallery, which is on display until November 2.
In the realm of contemporary art, David Salle is inviting AI to remix his works in an innovative approach that embraces technological advancements rather than fearing them; this is showcased at Thaddaeus Ropac Gallery until June 8. An interesting auction piece this month is a rare bronze of Rodin's 'Le Baiser' (The Kiss), expected to fetch over €500,000, highlighting the ongoing interest in historical art. The article also notes that renowned photographer Martin Parr recently documented cherry blossom season in Japan, and an auction of 40 Roy Lichtenstein works is anticipated to raise £26 million. The piece concludes with a reflection on the ancient Jericho Skull, a remarkable artifact representing one of the earliest human portraits, illustrating the enduring human desire to remember and preserve faces through art across millennia. This connection between art and memory resonates deeply in contemporary practices, particularly in the age of selfies and digital imagery.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article provides an overview of various art exhibitions and notable pieces currently attracting attention in the art world. It highlights the works of prominent artists like Antony Gormley, JMW Turner, and David Salle, as well as the auctioning of a significant bronze sculpture by Rodin. Through its focus on diverse artistic expressions, the piece seeks to engage the art community and the general public in discussions about contemporary and historical art.
Purpose of the Article
The intention behind this publication appears to be the promotion of current art exhibitions and events, aiming to encourage attendance and foster discussions around the featured artists. By showcasing a range of exhibitions and significant art pieces, the article seeks to cultivate a deeper appreciation for the arts and stimulate interest in the ongoing dialogues within the art world.
Public Perception
The article aims to create an image of vibrancy and diversity in the art scene, appealing to both seasoned art enthusiasts and newcomers. It conveys that art remains a relevant and dynamic field, capable of sparking conversations about cultural heritage and contemporary issues. This portrayal can help to bolster public interest and support for the arts, potentially leading to increased attendance at exhibitions.
Hidden Agendas
While the article primarily focuses on art, it does not appear to conceal any significant information. Its straightforward reporting suggests an intention to inform rather than manipulate. However, the emphasis on auctions and high-value pieces might subtly suggest that the art market is thriving, which could encourage investment in art as a financial asset.
Manipulation Assessment
The article's manipulative nature seems low. It presents factual information about exhibitions and artists without overtly biased language or targeted narratives. The tone is informative, suggesting an objective stance rather than an agenda to sway public opinion.
Truthfulness of Content
The events and exhibitions listed are factual, reflecting current happenings in the art world. The descriptions about the artists and their works align with established knowledge in the art community, supporting the article's credibility.
Community Engagement
The piece likely resonates more with art collectors, enthusiasts, and cultural institutions, as it highlights significant exhibitions and auctions. It appeals to those invested in the arts, fostering a sense of community among individuals who appreciate both historical and contemporary art forms.
Economic and Market Impact
Given the mention of significant auctions and high-value artworks, this article could influence the art market. Potential investors might take an interest in the auction of Rodin's bronze sculpture, which could lead to increased activity in the art market. Additionally, the focus on exhibitions may encourage spending in related sectors such as tourism and hospitality around art venues.
Global Relevance
While not overtly political, the article reflects broader cultural trends and the ongoing relevance of art in society. It connects to current discussions about the value of cultural heritage and the impact of contemporary practices, such as AI in art.
Artificial Intelligence Influence
There is no clear indication that AI was used in the creation of this article. However, the mention of David Salle’s engagement with AI suggests an evolving discourse around technology in art, which could influence how art is perceived and created in the future. In conclusion, the article serves as an informative piece aimed at promoting art exhibitions and engaging the public in the art scene. Its focus on diversity and current trends in art may help foster a greater appreciation for cultural contributions and stimulate economic activity within the broader community.