Hayward Gallery's 'Mixing It Up' Showcases 31 UK Painters in Thematic-Free Survey
The Hayward Gallery in London is currently showcasing 'Mixing It Up: Painting Today,' which includes 135 pieces from 31 painters based in the UK, running until 12 December. Curator Ralph Rugoff emphasizes the 'exceptional multiplicity' of painting, noting the absence of a unifying theme. Most works are traditional stretched canvases, though notable exceptions include Alvaro Barrington's hip-hop-themed art and Samara Scott's unique creations. Several artists reference pictorial history, such as Lubaina Himid's reinterpretation of Tissot's 1873 piece, while Somaya Critchlow and Matthew Krishanu tackle themes of historical objectification. Textured collages by Hurvin Anderson and motifs of death in Graham Little's gouache, Barrington's DMX tribute, and Mohammed Sami's 'Infection ii (2021)' further illustrate painting's vibrancy and diversity.
Key facts
- Exhibition 'Mixing It Up: Painting Today' features 135 works by 31 painters
- On view at Hayward Gallery in London until 12 December
- Curated by Ralph Rugoff with no discernible theme, focusing on painting's multiplicity
- Includes materially conventional works alongside outliers like Alvaro Barrington's carpet and concrete pieces
- Lubaina Himid reworks James Tissot's painting to reference slave ship Le Rodeur
- Death themes appear in works by Graham Little, Alvaro Barrington, Rose Wylie, and Mohammed Sami
- Collage principle connects works by Hurvin Anderson, influenced by Peter Doig
- Upstairs grouping features Oscar Murillo, Jadé Fadojutimi, and Rachel Jones
Entities
Artists
- Alvaro Barrington
- Samara Scott
- Lubaina Himid
- Somaya Critchlow
- Matthew Krishanu
- Hurvin Anderson
- Peter Doig
- Oscar Murillo
- Jadé Fadojutimi
- Rachel Jones
- Graham Little
- Rose Wylie
- Mohammed Sami
- James Tissot
- Paul Gauguin
- DMX
- Saddam Hussein
Institutions
- Hayward Gallery
- ArtReview
Locations
- London
- United Kingdom
- Jamaica
- Iraq
- Bengal