Gwen John's 'Strange Beauties' Touring Exhibition Opens at Scottish National Gallery
The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art in Edinburgh is showcasing 'Strange Beauties,' an exhibition featuring the works of Welsh artist Gwen John, until 4 January 2027. This retrospective, co-curated by Charlotte Topsfield, began at Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales and is set to tour the United States. Celebrating a century since John's sole exhibition during her lifetime, the display includes portraits, watercolours, and rare drawings. John, who was born 150 years ago, was one of the pioneering women to receive formal art training and later moved to Paris, where she was influenced by French modernism. Notable pieces, such as 'Girl in a Blue Dress' (1914), delve into themes of strangeness and 'absent presence.'
Key facts
- Exhibition 'Strange Beauties' is at Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art until 4 January 2027.
- Co-curated by Charlotte Topsfield.
- Touring from Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales to National Galleries of Scotland, then to the US.
- Gwen John was born 150 years ago.
- John moved to Paris and was influenced by French modernism.
- She converted to Catholicism and painted parishioners at her Meudon church.
- Famous painting 'A Corner of the Artist's Room in Paris' is included.
- John wrote hundreds of letters to Rodin and attended lectures on cubism.
Entities
Artists
- Gwen John
- Charlotte Topsfield
- Auguste Rodin
- Paul Cézanne
Institutions
- Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales
- National Galleries of Scotland
- Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art
Locations
- Edinburgh
- Scotland
- Wales
- Paris
- France
- Meudon
- United States