Exhibition Articles

The importance of South Asian miniature painting
Exhibition - Feb 2024

The importance of South Asian miniature painting

Miniature painting played a crucial role in shaping South Asia's visual culture and was instrumental in showcasing the region's artistic traditions to the world. Find out why this style of painting has been so collectable in the past and its relevance to the contemporary artists featured in our latest exhibition.

Key facts about South Asia | The Box Plymouth
News - Feb 2024

Key facts about South Asia

Our latest exhibition explores how modern and contemporary artists have been inspired by the historic miniature paintings of South Asia - but how much do you know about this fascinating part of the world? Here are five key facts about the South Asian region.

Nationally touring exhibition featuring rarely seen works heads to The Box | The Box Plymouth
Press Release - Feb 2024

Nationally touring exhibition featuring rarely seen works heads to The Box

A major touring exhibition that explores the many different ways in which 20th century and contemporary artists have been inspired by the tradition of South Asian miniature painting will be on display in the St Luke’s church gallery at The Box from 17 February until 2 June 2024.

Growth, decay and everything in between: Jan van Huysum, Paulus Theodorus van Brussel and Jan Weenix | The Box Plymouth
Art - Dec 2023

Growth, decay and everything in between: Jan van Huysum, Paulus Theodorus van Brussel and Jan Weenix

Lavish arrangements, imaginary bouquets, fruit, flowers, beauty and decay; our online tour of the beautiful ‘Dutch Flowers’ exhibition concludes with artists Jan van Huysum, Paulus Theodorus van Brussel and Jan Weenix.

Top five things to know about John Akomfrah
Art - Dec 2023

Top five things to know about John Akomfrah

If you're new to John Akomfrah's work, here's some essential things to know about this important contemporary filmmaker and visual artist.

2024 exhibition programme is unveiled | The Box Plymouth
Press Release - Nov 2023

2024 exhibition programme is unveiled

The Box has revealed an ambitious exhibition programme for 2024. It includes collaborations with some of the country’s most high-profile museums and galleries, and exhibitions that explore timely issues such as the role of museums in relation to empire and the ongoing challenge of the climate crisis.

The UK debut of 'Arcadia', a new multi-screen film by artist John Akomfrah, opens on 30 November | The Box Plymouth
Press Release - Nov 2023

The UK debut of 'Arcadia', a new multi-screen film by artist John Akomfrah, opens on 30 November

Arcadia, the latest film work by the hugely respected artist John Akomfrah, will receive its UK debut at The Box – Plymouth’s award-winning museum, art gallery and archive – from Thursday 30 November 2023 until Sunday 2 June 2024.

Masters of their craft: van Walscapelle, de Bray and Ruysch | The Box Plymouth
Art - Nov 2023

Masters of their craft: van Walscapelle, de Bray and Ruysch

From detailed compositions and bold palettes, to skilful use of colour and light, we continue our tour of the beautiful ‘Dutch Flowers’ exhibition with a look at the work of Jacob van Walscapelle, Dirck de Bray and Rachel Ruysch.

Capturing Nature's Beauty: Dutch Flower Paintings
Art - Oct 2023

Capturing Nature's Beauty: Dutch Flower Paintings

The popularity of flower painting emerged in Northern Netherlands as a result of prosperous trade, scientific advancement, and middle-class patronage in Dutch cities in the 17th century. We take a look at three of the artists featured in the 'Dutch Flowers' exhibition: Ambrosius Bosschaert the Elder, Balthasar van der Ast and Jan Davidsz. de Heem.

Kedisha Coakley: Artist Biography | The Box Plymouth
Art - Oct 2023

Kedisha Coakley: Artist Biography

Learn about acclaimed contemporary artist Kedisha Coakley, known for her sculpture, photography and printmaking that reframes history, culture and race. Read a biography covering her art studies, exhibitions, commissions and career in Sheffield and beyond.

'Imogen' by Elizabeth Adela Forbes | The Box Plymouth
Art - Sep 2023

'Imogen' by Elizabeth Adela Forbes

This 1898 oil on canvas by Elizabeth Adela Stanhope Forbes (nee Armstrong) ARWS RE (1859-1912) was purchased for the city’s permanent art collections in 1904.

Reynolds' studio materials | The Box Plymouth
Art - Sep 2023

Reynolds' studio materials

Artist Sir Joshua Reynolds’ set up his first studio in Plymouth Dock (now Devonport) in the 1740s, and then established and ran a studio in the Leicester Square area of London. Thanks to archival documents and other items that still exist, we have a good insight into how they ran and how he created some of the many portraits he’s still known for today. Some of these materials are on display in our ‘Reframing Reynolds: A Celebration’ exhibition (until 29 October). Here’s a guide to what you can see!