Turner 250: Liverpool Exhibition Challenges Tradition With Contemporary Clash
Liverpool’s Walker Art Gallery is redefining the museum experience, blending historical masterpieces with modern art in a bold new exhibition celebrating J.M.W.Turner’s 250th birthday.
A Deliberate Disruption
Visitors to the eagerly anticipated Turner exhibition at the Walker Art Gallery are immediately met with an unexpected juxtaposition: a work by contemporary artist Jeff Koons.This deliberate move, along with the inclusion of Damien Hirst’s signature shark installations and even curator-owned Doc Marten boots, signals a radical departure from conventional art displays.
Melissa Gustin, the curator of British art at National Museums Liverpool, explained that the intention is to provoke thought and encourage visitors to explore the connections between artistic periods. “We want people to see the links, the histories, and the ongoing influence of Turner’s work,” she stated.
Celebrating a Legacy
This year marks the 250th anniversary of J.M.W. Turner’s birth, prompting numerous exhibitions worldwide – with at least 24 confirmed globally. The Liverpool exhibition, two years in the making, aims to showcase the city’s exceptional Turner collection, rivaling even that of London, while together offering a fresh perspective on his artistic impact.
The exhibition doesn’t merely present turner’s works in isolation. Rather, it explores his engagement with pressing issues of his time – climate change, migration, and the role of the artist in society – topics that remain remarkably relevant today.
Liverpool’s Unique Collection
Liverpool boasts a remarkable collection of Turner paintings, amassed during a period when his work was frequently enough undervalued. This allows the Walker Art Gallery to present iconic pieces like The Falls of the Clyde and The Wreck Buoy, both rarely seen, alongside contemporary responses.
John Ruskin, a prominent art critic and friend of Turner, famously described The Wreck Buoy as the artist’s last significant work before a decline in his abilities. The painting, depicting a violent seascape, is now displayed next to Hirst’s shark installation, creating a striking dialog between artistic eras.
Bridging the Centuries
The exhibition extends beyond Turner and his immediate contemporaries, featuring works by Monet, Pissarro, Ethel Walker, and Sheila Fell. A Bridget Riley stripe painting is strategically positioned alongside Turner’s Venetian watercolors, while a powerful painting by maggi Hambling evoking the raw energy of the sea further emphasizes the enduring influence of Turner’s vision. The Studio of Jeff Koons also contributed to the exhibition.
Did You Know? Maggi Hambling, inspired by the powerful waves she witnessed in Southwold, Suffolk, described the experience as encountering a “primeval force,” a sentiment echoing Turner’s own captivation with the sublime power of nature.
A Modern Twist
Gustin also incorporated personal touches into the exhibit, displaying a Turner-themed sweater from Asos and a pair of Turner-branded Doc Marten boots, demonstrating the artist’s continuing presence in popular culture.
Key Exhibition Details
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Exhibition Title | Turner: Always Contemporary |
| Location | Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool |
| Dates | October 25, 2025 – February 22, 2026 |
| Curator | Melissa Gustin |
The Enduring Appeal of J.M.W. Turner
J.M.W. Turner remains a pivotal figure in art history, celebrated for his innovative use of light, color, and atmospheric effects. His influence can be seen in the works of countless artists who followed, and his paintings continue to captivate audiences today.
Pro tip: When visiting art exhibitions, take time to consider the context in which the works were created and the messages the artists intended to convey. This can greatly enhance your understanding and appreciation of the art.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Exhibition
