The Sunflowers

What: Display
Where: The National Gallery, London
When: 25 January - 27 April 2014

'Compare and contrast' is the mantra of old-school art history, and the opportunity currently on offer to compare and contrast two of the five versions of Van Gogh's iconic Sunflowers paintings is too great to miss. Much can be learnt from an investigation into the artistic context in which Van Gogh produced these works, and the recent material analysis into the paintings sheds further light on their production. However, old-school art history would also implore its followers to learn through looking. On visiting this display, fully expectant of having to crane my neck amongst the crowds for a close-up view of the paintings, I was struck by the gravitation of my fellow viewers to the wall texts on either side of the room, and the gulf of space that existed in front of the two Sunflowers. For those yet to visit, I would recommend a preliminary perusal through the excellent web resource below (perhaps even during the queue time). Then, spend the majority of the gallery time actually looking at the works. You will be rewarded.

Find out more:

http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/whats-on/exhibitions/the-sunflowers

http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/learn-about-art/paintings-in-depth/the-sunflowers-feature/*/viewPage/1

Kylie 'Kiss Me Once'

Artist: Kylie Minogue

Title: Kiss Me Once

What: Album

When: released March 2014

For all that we are told to avoid sugar, sometimes one needs a dose of sweetness - and this record delivers a dizzying hit of high-GI pop exuberance. Listening to this album feels a little like indulging on empty calories and ignoring the pile of worthy and wholesome alternatives on offer on one's iPod, like that current affairs podcast, perhaps, but the sugar rush is undoubtedly uplifting. Highlights include the new single 'Into the Blue', the endlessly catchy 'Million Miles' and 'Sexy Love', but special mention must go to the fresh and fun collaboration with Pharrell Williams, 'I Was Gonna Cancel'. These upbeat, sunny tunes make one long for the bright carefree excitement of summer days, walking barefoot on hot pavements, ice cream. Life is sweet.

William Kent: Designing Georgian Britain

What: Exhibition
Where: Victoria & Albert Museum, London
When: 22 March - 13 July 2014

This exhibition, fresh from New York, shines a well-deserved spotlight on the man who could justifiably be called Britain’s first great interior designer. William Kent brought to eighteenth-century country house interiors an opulence and decadence that is beautifully evoked in this elegant exhibition. The loans more than adequately illustrate the Italian-inspired luxury that now typifies our idea of the exuberant Georgian stately home, but homage is also paid to Kent’s work through clever and subtle exhibition design – for instance, the cut-out enfilade that frames his portrait, echoing the way in which Kent’s interior schemes were designed around specific artworks. 

The exhibition forms a calm scholarly retreat at the V&A in anticipation of the glitzy whirlwind that will surely engulf the unveiling of the upcoming blockbuster The Glamour of Italian Fashion 1945-2014, especially when enjoyed alongside its stupendous catalogue. But the two shows perhaps were intended to work in synergy, showcasing the perennial glamour that Italian design has brought to our shores over the course of centuries.

Find out more: 

http://www.vam.ac.uk/content/exhibitions/william-kent-designing-georgian-britain/

http://www.vam.ac.uk/b/blog/designing-william-kent

Bastille Live

What: Gig
Where: Alexandra Palace
When: 6 March 2014

On entering Alexandra Palace, it was hard not to be a little awestruck at the architecture, the several-thousand strong crowds, the panoramic views of London. It was also hard not to be a bit awestruck by the immense success Bastille have enjoyed over the past year, and the anticipation that pervaded the atmosphere whilst awaiting their set was tangible. Strangely enough, the band themselves also seemed slightly overcome, judging by remarks of frontman Dan Smith. Their humble attitude belied an extremely slick production, however. Opening with Bad Blood, the show captivated its audience from start to finish, and the eruption from the crowd when favourites Of the Night and Pompeii took off was testament to this band’s incredible popularity.

Trying to put one’s finger on how and why Bastille’s music seems so fresh and original, so of the moment, one might conclude that it’s a mix of charismatic unpretentiousness, and – so far – disregard for the guitar, in favour of a more innovative electro sound. After such a promising year, however, whichever way they progress is sure to bring even more excitement and awe.