Tate’s 2027 Programme Signals a Bold New Era for British Art
Tate has unveiled an ambitious programme of exhibitions for 2027, encompassing major shows dedicated to artists like David Hockney, Lynda Benglis, Edvard Munch, and Sonia Boyce. The announcement, made on the eve of director Maria Balshaw’s departure, points towards a dynamic shift in focus, with several “firsts” for the institution.
A Year of Firsts: Expanding Tate’s Horizons
2027 will observe Tate Modern host its inaugural Monet exhibition, titled Monet: Painting Time, exploring the artist’s relationship with temporality. Alongside this, the gallery will present its first exhibition of Asian ink painting, alongside the UK’s first solo show for Algerian artist Baya. The Turner Prize will also venture to Tate St. Ives in the West Country, marking a novel approach to the prestigious award.
Lynda Benglis and the Power of Materiality
Lynda Benglis will be the subject of a major retrospective at Tate Modern (September 30, 2027-March 5, 2028), showcasing over 50 works from the late 1960s to the present. Known for her innovative use of materials – poured latex, wax, bronze, and glass – Benglis’s work challenges conventional notions of sculpture and representation. Her provocative 1974 Artforum photograph cemented her place as a significant figure in feminist art history.
Hockney at 90: A Multimedia Celebration
As David Hockney approaches his 90th birthday, Tate will celebrate his prolific career with two exhibitions. Tate Modern will host a multimedia installation in the Turbine Hall, while Tate Britain will present a comprehensive survey of his work, featuring over 200 pieces. This exhibition will trace Hockney’s artistic journey, from his early explorations of queer love and desire to his recent intimate depictions of his home and studio.
Sonia Boyce and the Exploration of Social Practice
Tate Britain will also dedicate a major survey to Sonia Boyce, the artist who won the Golden Lion at the 2022 Venice Biennale. The exhibition (March 24-August 27, 2027) will draw on her diverse practice, encompassing installations, photography, collage, film, and sculpture. Boyce’s work consistently engages with art as a social practice and the critical debates surrounding it.
Beyond London: Tate Liverpool’s Revitalisation
The reopening of Tate Liverpool, following a significant renovation, is also slated for 2027. The revamped gallery will launch with a major exhibition of works by Chila Kumari Singh Burman. The project, initially budgeted at £29.7m, has now cost around £35m, reflecting the challenges of securing funding for cultural infrastructure projects.
Expanding the Canon: Gainsborough, The Tudors, and Ink Painting
Tate Britain will also present a blockbuster exhibition of paintings and drawings by Thomas Gainsborough, commemorating the 300th anniversary of his birth. An exhibition titled The Tudors will explore British painting during that era, featuring works by Hans Holbein, Nicholas Hilliard, and Isaac Oliver. Tate Modern’s exhibition of ink painting will focus on artists from mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan who have reinvented the medium for the twentieth century, featuring around 80 works organized around themes of Life, the Garden, and Breath.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Tate’s 2027 programme?
The programme represents a bold step forward for Tate, with several “firsts” and a focus on diverse artistic voices and themes.
Who is Lynda Benglis?
Lynda Benglis is a highly influential artist known for her innovative use of materials and her provocative work, which often challenges conventional notions of sculpture.
What can visitors expect from the David Hockney exhibitions?
Visitors can expect a comprehensive celebration of Hockney’s career, encompassing a multimedia installation at Tate Modern and a career-spanning survey at Tate Britain.
When will Tate Liverpool reopen?
Tate Liverpool is scheduled to reopen in 2027 following a major renovation.
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