Thin Black Line legends return, William Kentridge dazzles and Van Gogh meets a modern – the week in art

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"Diverse Art Exhibitions Showcase Historical and Contemporary Perspectives Across Major Galleries"

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The recent art exhibitions highlight a diverse range of themes and artistic expressions, showcasing both historical and contemporary perspectives. One of the most notable exhibitions is 'Connecting Thin Black Lines: 1985-2025', which revisits the influential 1985 exhibition, 'The Thin Black Line'. Curated by Lubaina Himid, the show features prominent artists such as Claudette Johnson, Sonia Boyce, and Ingrid Pollard, emphasizing their contributions to the conversation surrounding Black identity and representation in art. This exhibition is currently on display at the Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA) in London and will be available until September 7. In a different vein, South African artist William Kentridge presents a captivating array of new films and sculptures at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, running from June 28 until April 19, 2026, where his innovative approach continues to inspire and engage audiences with deep narratives and visual artistry.

In addition to these exhibitions, the Royal Academy in London features 'Kiefer/Van Gogh', where Anselm Kiefer explores the darker aspects of Vincent van Gogh's work, particularly themes of mortality and the human condition. This exhibition will be open until October 26. Meanwhile, renowned filmmaker Steve McQueen curates a collection of photographs that document protest and collective action throughout British history at Modern Two in Edinburgh, available until January 4, 2026. Other exhibitions include Jim Lambie's vibrant works at the Modern Institute in Glasgow and a major retrospective of photographer Dennis Morris, who has chronicled the Black British experience. The art world also reflects on recent events, such as a 300-year-old painting damaged by a visitor at the Uffizi gallery, and engages with contemporary issues through festivals like PhotoEspana in Madrid and the Belfast photo festival. Each exhibition offers a unique perspective on art's role in society, inviting audiences to reflect on both historical and modern contexts.

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Connecting Thin Black Lines: 1985-2025Claudette Johnson, Sonia Boyce and Ingrid Pollard are among the artists in this show that revisits their 1985 exhibition, The Thin Black Line - curated, like the original, by Lubaina Himid.ICA, London, until 7 September

William KentridgeThe South African artist shows new film and sculpture in a dazzling, inspiring display.Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Wakefield, from 28 June until 19 April 2026

Kiefer/Van GoghAnselm Kiefer brings out the dark Romantic in Van Gogh, as death stalks the fields.Royal Academy, London, from 28 June until 26 October

ResistanceSteve McQueen selects photographs of protest and collective action from a century of alternative British history.Modern Two, National Galleries of Scotland, Edinburgh, until 4 January 2026

Jim LambieOne of the most hedonist artists around shows paintings and objects that pop with colour.Modern Insitute, Glasgow, until 27 August

Dennis Morris got his first cover shot at the age of 11. By 14, he was touring with Bob Marley (who taught him how to smoke). And he has spent the rest of his life chronicling Black British experience, now showing in a major new exhibition.Read our full review

A 300-year-old painting at the Uffizi was damaged by a visitor taking a seflie

Norman Foster’s ‘wasteful’ Queen Elizabeth II bridge emits ‘Swarovski vibes’

We looked back at the fascinating 50-year history of Save Britain’s Heritage

PhotoEspana, Spain’s premier photo festival, got under way in Madrid and elsewhere

The Belfast photo festival explored ‘the Biosphere’

The late US artist Sam Gilliam’s time in Ireland inspired a wild burst of creativity

A small group from the Northern Territory went on to dominate Australia’s art

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Much-loved painter David Gentleman shared tips

William Kentridge’s restless inventiveness rivals that of Picasso

Cornard Woodnear Sudbury, Suffolkby Thomas Gainsborough, 1748

Gainsborough made his fortune painting the Georgian elite in Bath and London - “pickpocketing the rich”, as he called it – and is often unfairly thought of as a frilly portraitist of the posh. But here he portrays ordinary folk on a piece of common land near his birthplace, the Suffolk town Sudbury. Common land was a medieval tradition that provided wood, grazing and the equivalent of a modern park for the entire community. But commons were gradually “enclosed” from the Tudor age to Gainsborough’s time as villages became increasingly unequal and wealthy farmers and landowners developed more capitalistic farming practices. Gainsborough is making a radical, nostalgic last-ditch defence of a vanishing world in this painting. His common people enjoy the land under a superb canopy of auburn trees and silvery clouds – a beautiful glimpse of this land as it might be.National Gallery, London

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Source: The Guardian