What better way to do that than a thoughtful gift? Art Fix has curated a special gift guide for unique, artsy ideas so you can treat all the wonderful ladies in your life with the perfect Mother’s day.
FOR THE LIVE ART LOVING MOMS
NETHERLANDS
Did you miss out on tickets for the blockbuster show of Vermeer at the Rijksmuseum? Not to worry – we have some alternatives for you:
Rijksmuseum | Closer to Johannes Vermeer
- Online
- Rijksmuseum.nl
First, you can catch part of the exhibition online with a wonderful virtual discovery tour of Vermeer’s famous paintings, narrated by none other than Britain’s national treasure, Stephen Fry.
Mauritshuis |Vermeer
- Permanent
- Plein 29, Den Haag
- mauritshuis.nl
Or maybe you fancy taking your mom to see Vermeer’s work in person? His most celebrated work, the Girl with a Pearl Earring, is back home in the Hague at the Mauritshuis – we recommend booking a ticket beforehand online so you can slip in without queueing.
Kranenburgh | A Touch of Light
- Until 17 September
- Hoflaan 26, Bergen
- kranenburgh.nl
In true springtime fashion, this exhibition in North Holland is a celebration of light and its beautiful ephemerality. While you’re there, remember to take some cute photos of your mom in the sculpture garden and keep an eye out for the work of Art Fix favourite Esther Tielemans.
Museum de Fundatie| Brave New World
- Until 11 June
- Blijmarkt 20, Zwolle
- museumdefundatie.nl
Experience the future of art at this show, on the front lines of contemporary artists’ interpretation of the ever-changing world in which we live. We chose this exhibition because it showcases the works of artists familiar to viewers of our episode on black female artists – keep an eye out for them.
Van Gogh Museum | Auvers-sur-Oise
- From 12 May till 3 September
- Museumplein 6, Amsterdam
- vangoghmuseum.nl
Is your mom a fan of the classics? Take her through the final years of Vincent van Gogh’s life at the Van Gogh in Auvers-sur-Oise exhibition, where together you can enjoy his last paintings and learn about the time he spent in this idyllic French village. Don’t miss this chance to experience the emotional journey of one of the most celebrated artists of all time.
Museum Voorlinden
- Valid for 12 months from the date of purchase
- Buurtweg 90, Wassenaar
- shopvoorlinden.nl
Here’s a fail-safe move: Museum Voorlinden offers a gift voucher that can be exchanged at the museum, in the restaurant and at the museum shop.
Stroom Den Haag | The Celestial Vault
- Permanent, free admission
- Machiel Vrijenhoeklaan 175, Kijkduin
- Stroom.nl
If the weather allows for it, you should definitely save this underrated activity for the top of your list. The Celestial Vault is a land artwork by James Turrell, open to the public for free in the sand-dunes of Kijkduin, South Holland. For a truly unique and unforgettable Mother’s Day this year, take her for a nice quiet afternoon of sky- or star-gazing.
Art Island
- 26 May – 28 May
- Forteiland, IJmuiden
- art-island.nl/
Discover a unique fusion of art and nature at Art Island 2023. Located just off the stunning coast of IJmuiden, this festival showcases a diverse range of contemporary art installations, performances, and workshops that explore the relationship between humanity and the natural world. Take your mom on a short boat trip to this unforgettable experience that will inspire and challenge your senses.
BELGIUM
GNYP Gallery| Zachary Armstrong
- Until 15 July
- Jan van Rijswijcklaan 112, Antwerp
- gnypgallery.com
Perhaps a less obvious choice for Mother’s Day, but a fun one nonetheless: stop by American artist Zachery Armstrong’s exhibition at the brand new GNYP Gallery in Antwerp and check out these rooster portraits – something for the more eccentric moms in your life.
LONDON
Tate Britain | Isaac Julien
- Until 20 August 2023
- Millbank London SW1P 4RG
- tate.org.uk
Enter the captivating world of filmmaker and artist Isaac Julien at the Tate Britain exhibition, where you can explore his groundbreaking work that challenges societal norms and explores the complexities of race, sexuality, and identity. Get inspired by his powerful cinematic installations that push the envelope of art and social commentary.
Tate Britain | The Rossettis
- Until 24 September 2023
- Millbank, London
- tate.org.uk
Or, for the more romantic moms – maybe she’d prefer this exhibition on the Rossetti generation artists? Explore the paintings, poetry and artwork that kicked off the pre-Raphaelite years to learn more about this important group of 19th century artists.
Victoria & Albert Museum | DIVA
- Cromwell Road, London
- Until 24 June
- vam.ac.uk
Experience the glamour and allure of the world’s most iconic performers at the Diva exhibition in the V&A Museum, where you can admire stunning costumes, photographs, and personal belongings of stars like Maria Callas, Cher, and Lady Gaga. Get up close and personal with the most dazzling performers of our time and discover the transformative power of music and fashion.
Houghton Hall | Sean Scully
- Until 29 October
- King’s Lynn, Norfolk UK
- houghtonhall.com
Though it’s a bit further than London, we think that the ultimate Mother’s Day outing is to visit this show by Irish artist Sean Scully on the beautiful grounds, and in the historic interiors of Houghton Hall. Several new works are included in the exhibition including stacks made of sandstone, wood, glass and marble.
NEW YORK
Frieze New York
- 17 May – 21 May
- 545 West 30th Street
- frieze.com
The 11th edition of New York’s premier art fair returns to The Shed in Hudson Yards this month. Here you’ll meet the top galleries of no less than 27 countries around the world boasting the most cutting-edge curated collections. Book your ticket now.
The Met Museum | Karl Lagerfeld
- Until 16 July
- 1000 Fifth Avenue, 82nd Street, New York
- metmuseum.org
If you’ve been online this week, you’ve probably seen some chatter about the heavily anticipated celebrity looks at this year’s Met Gala. Based on the theme ‘A Line of Beauty’, this posthumous exhibition of Karl Lagerfeld’s designs and sketches will be a sure hit with any fashion-forward moms.
MILAN
Milano Palazzo Reale – Leandro Erlich
- Until 4 November
- Milan, Piazza del Duomo, 12
- palazzorealemilano.it
Experience the mind-bending art of Leandro Erlich at Palazzo Reale in Milan. Through his installations and sculptures, Erlich creates illusions and alternate realities that challenge the viewer’s perception of space and time. Don’t miss this captivating exhibition that will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew about the world around you.
FOR THE ARTSY BOOKWORMS
Nothing says ‘I love you’ quite like a thoughtfully chosen book for the ones you hold dearest – here are some arty ideas.
Katy Hessel | The Story of Art Without Men
- Price: €31,29
- Buy it here: bol.com
In October 2015, Katy Hessel – then fresh from an art-history degree – walked out from Frieze Masters in shock. She realised that out of the thousands of artworks presented by the institutions and galleries before her, not one was by a woman. That night, she couldn’t sleep and decided to challenge herself to post about a different female artist every single day on Instagram @thegreatwomenartists. Hessels hosts her own chart-topping podcast; and has written the ambitious, revisionist encyclopaedia The Story of Art Without Men.
Olivia Laing | Funny Weather: Art in an Emergency
- Price: €10,99
- Buy it here: bol.com
If you enjoyed ‘Spring Cannot Be Cancelled’ by David Hockney off our Mother’s Day recommendations from last year, here’s another one you’ll love: a refreshing collection of essays by writer and cultural critic Olivia Laing, on the importance of art as an antidote to times of socio-political turbulence. With an impressive resume including but not limited to the Guardian, Frieze and the Financial Times, Laing’s writing is as lyrical and dreamy as it is inspiring.
Charlie Porter | What Artists Wear
- Price: €23.95
- Buy it here: paagman.nl
Another hit for style-loving moms – fashion critic and art curator Charlie Porter’s writing takes you around the wardrobes of the biggest names in art from Yayoi Kusama and Cindy Sherman to Georgia O’Keeffe, and David Hockney.
FOR THE GIFTS THAT JUST KEEP GIVING
Art Fix Editions
For your Mom or for your self; become an owner of a special limited edition.
Art Fix Membership
- Price: €210 for an annual membership
- Buy it here: art-fix.com
Give your mom a head start in her passion for art with a gift that lasts all year long. The Art Fix membership includes Episodes, Stories and In Real Life lists, with helpful tips about exhibitions and other must-see art destinations. She’ll thank you for this one.
Art Fix Tote Bag
- Price: €35
- Order here: ivy@art-fix.com
Treat your mom and yourself to a pair of matching Art Fix tote bags — the perfectly practical accessory for all your museum/gallery dates.
