Tate Modern is set to captivate audiences in 2025 with a dynamic and diverse array of exhibitions that push the boundaries of contemporary art. From immersive installations to retrospectives of avant-garde pioneers, the upcoming year promises to be a landmark period for the institution.
Leigh Bowery: A Radical Vision
Kicking off the year, Tate Modern will present a comprehensive exhibition dedicated to Leigh Bowery, the Australian-born performance artist, designer, and muse. Emerging from London’s vibrant 1980s club scene, Bowery’s work challenged conventional notions of identity and aesthetics. His performances, often outrageous and boundary-pushing, utilized the body as a transformative tool, influencing figures like Alexander McQueen and Lady Gaga. This exhibition will delve into Bowery’s multifaceted career, showcasing his contributions to art, fashion, and performance.
Do Ho Suh: Walk the House
Opening on May 1, “Walk the House” by South Korean artist Do Ho Suh invites visitors into meticulously recreated domestic spaces from his past homes in Seoul, New York, London, and Berlin. Using translucent polyester and wire, Suh constructs life-sized replicas of rooms, corridors, and thresholds, exploring themes of memory, migration, and the concept of home. This immersive installation offers a poignant reflection on the emotional resonance of personal spaces and the transient nature of home.
Emily Kam Kngwarray: A Retrospective
In July, Tate Modern will host the first major UK exhibition of Emily Kam Kngwarray, one of Australia’s most significant Indigenous artists. Known for her vibrant and expansive paintings, Kngwarray’s work reflects her deep connection to the land and her cultural heritage. This retrospective will showcase her monumental canvases, offering insight into her innovative approach to Aboriginal art and her impact on the global art scene.
Nigerian Modernism: A Revolutionary Movement
Opening in October, “Nigerian Modernism” will explore the groundbreaking work of Nigerian artists who revolutionized modern art in the mid-20th century. This exhibition will highlight the contributions of artists such as Ben Enwonwu and Uche Okeke, whose work merged traditional African aesthetics with Western modernist techniques, creating a unique and influential artistic language that continues to resonate today.
Frida Kahlo: The Making of an Icon
Concluding the year, Tate Modern will present “Frida: The Making of an Icon,” an exhibition that delves into the life and legacy of the iconic Mexican artist. Through a collection of her paintings, personal artifacts, and photographs, the exhibition will explore how Kahlo’s experiences and identity shaped her art, cementing her status as a global cultural figure.
A Year in Art 2050
In addition to these exhibitions, Tate Modern will launch “A Year in Art 2050,” a forward-looking project that invites artists and audiences to imagine the future of art and society. This initiative will feature a series of installations, performances, and discussions throughout the year, encouraging reflection on the evolving role of art in a rapidly changing world.
With these ambitious exhibitions, Tate Modern continues to affirm its position as a leading institution in the contemporary art world, offering visitors a rich and varied program that engages with pressing cultural, social, and political themes. Whether exploring the radical visions of past artists or envisioning the future of art, 2025 at Tate Modern promises to be a year of discovery and dialogue.
