Taking in the full breadth of the American painter’s career, this exhibition at the Barbican Centre in London (16 February–21 May) is the largest of Neel’s work in the United Kingdom to date. The show brings together more than 70 of the artist’s portraits alongside archival photographs, films and letters. From depictions of pregnant women to civil rights activists, labour leaders and queer performers, Neel’s paintings capture everyday life in 20th-century New York. A section of the exhibition focuses on Neel’s artistic friendships, with portraits of figures such as Frank O’Hara and Andy Warhol. Additional highlights include a large-scale self-portrait from 1980, painted at the age of 80, four years before Neel’s death. Find out more on the Barbican’s website.
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Andy Wahol (1970), Alice Neel. Courtesy the Estate of Alice Neel and David Zwirner; © Estate of Alice Neel
Geoffrey Hendricks and Brian (1978), Alice Neel. Courtesy the Estate of Alice Neel and David Zwirner; © Estate of Alice Neel
Harold Cruse (c. 1950), Alice Neel. Courtesy the Estate of Alice Neel and David Zwirner; © Estate of Alice Neel
Annie Sprinkle (1982), Alice Neel. Courtesy the Estate of Alice Neel and David Zwirner; © Estate of Alice Neel
Self-Portrait (1980), Alice Neel. Courtesy the Estate of Alice Neel and David Zwirner; © Estate of Alice Neel