The eagerly awaited “National Treasures: Monet in York” exhibition will open on May 10, 2024, at York Art Gallery, showcasing Monet’s iconic painting “The Water-Lily Pond.” This event is a significant collaboration with the National Gallery in London to celebrate its 200th anniversary.
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Origami-Inspired Creativity from Young Artists
In preparation for the exhibition, children from York’s Park Grove Primary Academy School have been creating origami art, inspired by Monet’s water lilies. Their artistic effort reflects not only Monet’s famous lilies but also the Japanese influences present in the exhibition, such as the works of Utagawa Hiroshige.
Vicky Hearson, Deputy Head at Park Grove, expressed appreciation for the enthusiasm and creativity of the children, who readily engaged with Monet’s work. These young artists also created origami representing the other featured artists in the exhibition. Their work, guided by Sue Stone and Laura Savoia, might be included in the exhibition.
The Exhibition’s Featured Artworks
The centerpiece of the exhibition is Monet’s “The Water-Lily Pond,” a landmark of Impressionist art. The show will also include contemporary works by artists like Roy Lichtenstein and pieces by Japanese artists who influenced Monet. One highlight is the commissioned work by Michaela Yearwood-Dan, which will debut during the exhibition.
York Art Gallery, one of the twelve partner galleries across the UK participating in the National Treasures initiative, will host “The Water-Lily Pond” as part of a broader display of the National Gallery’s collection, reflecting the impact of Monet’s art on his contemporaries and on subsequent generations of artists.
National Gallery’s Bicentenary Celebrations
“National Treasures: Monet in York” is part of the National Gallery’s 200th-anniversary celebration. Each of the twelve partner venues will host a masterpiece from the National Gallery’s collection, presenting it alongside regional collections and curated exhibitions to emphasize its cultural importance. The year-long celebration will culminate in the unveiling of the Sainsbury Wing developments at the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square in May 2025.
The Impact of National Treasures
The National Treasures program aims to make significant works of art accessible to a broad audience. As part of this initiative, approximately 35 million people across the UK will be within an hour’s travel of a National Gallery masterpiece, fostering cultural engagement across the nation.
About the Supporters
York Art Gallery’s exhibition is supported by JM Finn, a wealth management firm, and Little Greene Paint Company, the official paint partner, both of which contribute to ensuring the success and reach of this important exhibition.
See the full press release here.
