The Art World Awaits: Exciting Autumn Exhibitions to Mark on Your Calendar

Art never truly takes a holiday, but the art world often slows down during the summer months. As collectors, dealers, and artists retreat to vacation spots like the Hamptons, the anticipation for the fall season builds. By Labor Day, the art community is eager for the upcoming exhibitions, which are among the most anticipated events of the year. This autumn promises a rich lineup of must-see shows, featuring everything from pioneering Impressionists to influential Afro-Cuban artists. Here’s a look at some of the highlights.

Seeing Silence: The Paintings of Helene Schjerfbeck

Location: Metropolitan Museum of Art
Dates: December 5 – April 5

Helene Schjerfbeck, a Finnish painter whose work remains relatively unknown in the U.S., is poised for a significant rediscovery. Trained in Paris by the age of 18, Schjerfbeck spent her later years in the Scandinavian countryside, creating a captivating body of modernist portraits and still lifes. Her artistic journey saw her transition from precise realism to increasingly abstract forms, yet she maintained a focus on representation. Much like her contemporaries Mary Cassatt and Berthe Morisot, Schjerfbeck excelled in capturing the essence of women and children, with her self-portraits revealing a haunting depth.

Wifredo Lam: When I Don’t Sleep, I Dream

Location: Museum of Modern Art
Dates: November 10 – March 28

Wifredo Lam, the Afro-Cuban painter, is synonymous with the tropical-infused Surrealism that characterized Caribbean and Latin American art in the 20th century. This exhibition marks the first comprehensive U.S. retrospective of Lam’s six-decade career. Visitors will journey through Lam’s life, from his roots in a Cuban sugar-plantation town to his artistic evolution in Spain and Paris, where he mingled with luminaries like Picasso. With over 150 pieces on display, this exhibition promises to be a major draw for art enthusiasts.

Suzanne Jackson: What Is Love

Location: San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
Dates: September 27 – March 1

At 81, Suzanne Jackson is finally receiving her first major museum retrospective, showcasing her multifaceted career as a dancer, gallerist, poet, and visual artist. Known for her ethereal “anti-canvases,” which are created using thin layers of pigment suspended from the ceiling, Jackson’s work was a highlight of the 2024 Whitney Biennial. This retrospective will also travel to the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis and the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, offering a broader audience the chance to experience her innovative art.

Yoko Ono: Music of the Mind

Location: Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago
Dates: October 18 – February 22

Celebrating a decade since her last major retrospective at MoMA, Yoko Ono’s upcoming exhibition at the MCA is set to be a highlight of the season. This show, which has garnered acclaim at London’s Tate Modern, will feature a diverse array of Ono’s work, including music, film, photography, and interactive installations. Visitors will have the opportunity to engage with Ono’s iconic pieces, such as Wish Tree, where they can tie their thoughts about peace to a living branch.

Black Photojournalism

Location: Carnegie Museum of Art
Dates: September 13 – January 19

This exhibition pays tribute to the legacy of Charles “Teenie” Harris, whose compelling photographs chronicled the Black community in Pittsburgh from the 1930s to the 1970s. The museum’s extensive archive of over 70,000 negatives serves as a foundation for this exploration of more than 40 photographers who documented Black lives throughout the 20th century. The exhibition will highlight significant moments, from the Civil Rights Movement to everyday joys, offering a rich narrative of resilience and celebration.

The Honest Eye: Camille Pissarro’s Impressionism

Location: Denver Art Museum
Dates: October 26 – February 8

French Impressionist Camille Pissarro is set to receive a long-overdue retrospective, the first in over 40 years in the U.S. Known as the “father of Impressionism,” Pissarro’s work reflects his commitment to painting landscapes and laborers en plein air, often eschewing the bourgeois lifestyle. This exhibition will feature over 80 paintings, some of which have never been exhibited in the U.S., offering a fresh perspective on his contributions to the art world.

Sixties Surreal

Location: Whitney Museum of American Art
Dates: September 24 – January 19

The Whitney Museum is set to explore the impact of Surrealism during the transformative 1960s. This exhibition will spotlight over 100 artists, examining how the movement’s principles influenced the psychosexual and subversive art of the era. Just as the original Surrealists responded to the aftermath of World War I, the artists of the 1960s grappled with societal upheaval, making this a timely and thought-provoking exhibition.

As the art world gears up for a vibrant autumn, these exhibitions promise to captivate audiences with their rich narratives and innovative works. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a casual art lover, there’s something for everyone to explore and appreciate this season. Mark your calendars and prepare to be inspired!