At a glance
Theatrical, large-scale paintings bridge the gap between ancient fresco traditions and contemporary performance, turning the gallery into a stage for historical and modern narratives.
Why go
This exhibition offers a rare chance to see Walker's monumental works in dialogue with The Courtauld's own historical masterpieces, highlighting her unique ability to make medieval motifs feel urgent and new.
You'll see
Large-scale paintings · Fresco-like textures · Theatrical figures · Medieval and Renaissance motifs · Multimedia works on canvas
Pace of visit
The monumental scale of the works encourages a slower pace, rewarding those who take time to study the layered, fresco-like textures.
Don't miss
The central site-specific installation, where Walker’s use of unprimed canvas highlights the tactile, architectural quality of her painting technique.
Artlovers Tip
Visit the gallery’s permanent medieval and Renaissance rooms first to spot the specific visual rhymes and compositional echoes in Walker’s modern works.
Inside the exhibition
Meet the artist
Description
Ella Walker brings a series of large-scale theatrical paintings to The Courtauld Gallery in London, UK. This exhibition places Walker’s contemporary practice in direct conversation with the venue’s renowned collection of medieval and Renaissance art, exploring how historical narratives can be reimagined through a modern lens.
The works feature figures that seem to step out of ancient tapestries or frescoes, executed with a sense of fluid movement and architectural scale. Walker uses a mix of media to create textured surfaces that evoke historical textiles and stage design, focusing on themes of ritual, performance, and the female form across history.
Seeing Walker’s work within The Courtauld provides a rare opportunity to observe how historical motifs are transformed for the present day. Her ability to blend the monumental feel of ancient murals with a cinematic sensibility makes this a significant moment for figurative painting in a venue defined by tradition.
Worth travelling for?
A focused and visually rich stop for those interested in how contemporary painting dialogues with the weight and technique of art history.
Experience as an Artlover
The gallery is open daily from 10:00 to 18:00, with last entry at 17:15. Tickets should be booked in advance via the official website to ensure entry, as the project space has limited capacity.
Ella Walker
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