Mondrian’s journey to the lines of modernism
The Dutch painter Piet Mondrian was one of the leading lights of what he dubbed the neo-plasticism movement that emerged in Europe in the early years of the 20th century. It favoured simple, vertical and horizontal compositions. Mondrian’s modernist rigid lines and strict adherence to the basic elements of painting means that he is now regarded as one of the founders of abstract painting. But an exhibition in Berlin looks at 50 of his earlier works, which show a more impressionistic style, and examines the stages in his artistic progression.
• Piet Mondrian: The Line runs at the Martin-Gropius-Bau from Friday. For more information, visit www.berlinerfestspiele.de.
Images of India and the birth of a studio
In the mid-19th century, two photographers working in India, Samuel Bourne and Charles Shepherd, began selling images that were taken in the country. These became very popular, particularly in the West, where many people were interested in exotic portrayals of the subcontinent. The photographers established a studio, Bourne and Shepherd, which survives to this day in Kolkata. An exhibition in Mumbai features a range of these photos, which are essentially cultural artefacts. They showcase a way of life that has now disappeared.
• Bourne and Shepherd: Figures in Time runs at Dr Bhau Daji Lad Mumbai City Museum until September 15. For more information, visit www.bdlmuseum.org.
Solo show of works in Dubai by Syrian artist
The ancient city of Palmyra was seized by ISIL in May and since then the news from the site has been grim. The retired chief archaeologist has been murdered by militants, who have just blown up a temple at the site. It is to this city, also known as Tadmor, that Syrian artist Elias Zayat turns to in a selection of new works that will be on display in Dubai. Zayat draws on Mesopotamian, Babylonian and Biblical accounts of the flood and examines themes of destruction, struggle and the rebuilding of a devastated world.
• Elias Zayat: After the Deluge runs at Dubai's Green Art Gallery from September 14. For more information, visit www.gagallery.com.
