As we bid farewell to 2024, it’s time to reflect on a few highlights that stand out:
Accidentally Wes Anderson Exhibition:
Having followed the Accidentally Wes Anderson Instagram account for years, I was thrilled when I spotted tickets for the exhibition in South Kensington, London. It wasn’t merely an exhibition, it was an immersive experience. Visitors were taken on a journey through various rooms, each showcasing iconic photographs and complemented by objects that brought the scenes to life from signposts to suitcases, even a train seat perfect for photographs. It was truly a treat. I’d highly recommend it, though it’s worth noting that the exhibition has since moved to Melbourne, Australia.
Moco Museum, London:
Moco Museum in Barcelona was absolutely brilliant. Featuring works by the likes of Dalí, Damien Hirst, and Banksy, I found myself recognising numerous contemporary pieces. The museum’s independent vibe, paired with its striking style, really won me over. Later, I discovered that Moco has three locations – Barcelona, Amsterdam, and a new space in London’s Marble Arch. Another fantastic venue with a fresh selection of artists, including one who particularly left an impression: Hayden Kays’ Labour of Love. The pink canvas, emblazoned with the word ‘love’ and the phrase ‘sending you a lot of…’, struck a chord with me. In today’s world, that one simple word truly needs to be remembered. Next stop: Moco Amsterdam.
Salvador Dalí’s Christ of St John of the Cross:
Put me in a room with anything by Dalí, and I’m in my happy place. I had been eagerly anticipating the return of Christ of St John of the Cross to Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, and was overjoyed to find it displayed in its own dedicated room. Despite the crowds, the atmosphere surrounding this masterpiece was one of serene reverence. The detail in Dalí’s work was unparalleled, and this particular painting truly exemplified his genius – more so than any others I’ve encountered. It was, quite simply, breathtaking.
Maurizio Cattelan’s Comedian and the Sotheby’s Auction:
This particular highlight came as an unexpected surprise. Just to clarify, the highlight wasn’t the banana itself, but rather the reaction it sparked. The controversy, the debates, the sensationalism – it all ignited a creative excitement within me that I hadn’t felt in quite some time. I found myself watching the Sotheby’s auction live, a completely new experience for me. I found it totally absorbing and, in fact, it’s something I might want to explore further in the future…perhaps even take a Sotheby’s course… just a thought.
Rejection Email:
My final highlight (or lowlight, depending on how you view it) was receiving my very first rejection email from an art magazine to which I had submitted my work for a feature. After the initial disappointment and the inevitable bout of imposter syndrome, I began to see it as a rite of passage – my initiation from the design world into the art world. It was a sign that I wasn’t quite there yet, but it pushed me to improve, to build upon my body of work before I dive deeper into the art scene. In hindsight, I also felt strangely proud of my boldness in even attempting this submission this year. A little confidence goes a long way!