At Rise Art we believe that great art is for everybody. Discovering, enjoying and collecting art doesn’t have to be intimidating and expensive. Our Head Curator has done some digging and chosen her top art activities in London, New York and Hong Kong this May - and they won’t cost you a cent.
1. John Copeland: Your Heaven Looks Just Like My Hell
Newport Street Gallery, London
21 February – 28 May 2018
Damien Hirst is one of the most divisive figures in the art world. You either love the shark in formaldehyde or you loathe it. But regardless of how you feel about his work, it must be said that the artist has a brilliant eye as a collector - and Newport Street Gallery showcases works from his personal collection.
Currently on show is Hirst’s collection of paintings by John Copeland. It marks the American artist’s first solo exhibition and it's nothing less than a masterclass in painting. Copeland throws together abstraction and figuration to create tactile, paint-heavy pieces that have an unnerving edge. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to see them up close. It won't cost you a thing.
2. Christie's 20th Century Sale Preview
Christie's New York
Viewings start 12 May.
A great way to experience art by major artists for free is to view the touring previews that auction houses host before big sale days. Iconic works that have been locked away in private collections are revealed in all their glory before being snapped up again and disappearing from public view once more. You can get to see works that nobody has ever seen in person, and that likely won’t be seen again for decades to come.
The pieces on offer in Christie’s upcoming 20th Century sale are by some of the best known icons of art history. Get up close and personal with works by Warhol, Picasso and Van Gogh - or by Bacon and de Kooning if you’re that way inclined.
Last year the 20th Century sale totalled a record $620 million and set 10 new world auction records for artists. Who knows what’s going to go down this time round. Take the opportunity to have a look at some of these exciting works before they fetch millions and vanish for years to come.
3. Yoshitomo Nara: Ceramic Works and...
Pace Gallery, Hong Kong
27 March – 12 May 2018
Yoshitomo Nara is known around the world for his unsettling pop-style portraits of children and animals. The artist came to prominence during Japan’s pop art movement in the nineties and has exhibited in more than 40 countries.
MoMA New York holds over 130 of his works and his portraits have sold at major auction houses for up to $3.5 million. Visit Pace’s new Hong Kong gallery to see Yoshitomo’s new portraits, sculptures and works on paper - for free.
Browse our collection of Maximalist works >>