A new exhibition at Liverpool's Walker Art Gallery, titled 'Turner: Always Contemporary,' aims to surprise visitors by placing JMW Turner's iconic works alongside contemporary art from figures like Damien Hirst and Jeff Koons. This unique approach marks the 250th anniversary of Turner's birth, offering a fresh perspective on his enduring influence.
Key Takeaways
- The Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool hosts 'Turner: Always Contemporary' until February 2026.
- The exhibition features JMW Turner's works alongside contemporary pieces by Damien Hirst, Jeff Koons, and Bridget Riley.
- Curator Melissa Gustin designed the show to highlight Turner's lasting legacy and relevance to modern issues.
- Liverpool possesses one of the finest collections of Turner's art outside London.
- The exhibition includes rarely seen Turner works on paper and personal items from the curator.
A Fresh Look at a Master's Legacy
The exhibition, opening on October 25, challenges traditional art display methods. Instead of a chronological retrospective, it creates a dialogue between past and present. Visitors are greeted not by a Turner painting, but by a work from contemporary artist Jeff Koons. This immediate juxtaposition sets the tone for an experience designed to provoke thought and reveal unexpected connections.
Melissa Gustin, the curator of British art at National Museums Liverpool, spent two years developing this concept. Her goal was to showcase Liverpool's significant collection of Turner's paintings while also exploring his impact on later generations of artists. The exhibition suggests that Turner tackled themes still relevant today, such as climate issues, migration, and the artist's role in society.
Exhibition Details
- Title: Turner: Always Contemporary
- Location: Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool
- Dates: October 25 to February 22, 2026
- Curator: Melissa Gustin
Unexpected Pairings and Deep Connections
One of the most striking installations pairs Turner's dramatic seascape, The Wreck Buoy, with Damien Hirst's work featuring two small sharks preserved in formaldehyde. John Ruskin, a friend and supporter of Turner, once described The Wreck Buoy as one of Turner's last great oil paintings. The pairing highlights a shared exploration of danger and mortality across centuries.
Another section places a Bridget Riley stripe painting next to two of Turner's pearly Venetian watercolors. This arrangement invites viewers to consider abstract elements and the use of light and color across different artistic movements. Large-scale paintings by Maggi Hambling, depicting powerful crashing waves observed in Southwold, Suffolk, also feature prominently.
"Surprised? That’s what we’re hoping," said Melissa Gustin. "That is the vibe we are after. We want visitors to see the connections, the histories and the legacies."
Turner's Enduring Relevance
JMW Turner, born 250 years ago, continues to inspire artists. His profound engagement with natural forces, light, and societal changes resonates deeply with contemporary concerns. This exhibition argues that his artistic questions about humanity's place in the world remain pertinent for artists working today.
Rarely Seen Works and Personal Touches
The exhibition also provides a rare opportunity to view many of Turner's works on paper. These pieces, part of Liverpool's extensive collection, are typically not displayed often due to their delicate nature. The 250th anniversary of Turner's birth presented a perfect opportunity to bring them into public view.
Gustin emphasized the generosity of contemporary artists in loaning their works. Jeff Koons, for example, readily agreed to lend his blue glass "gazing ball" on an oversized copy of a Turner painting. This particular Koons piece, Gazing Ball (Turner Ancient Rome), reflects how even the most prominent living artists engage seriously with historical masterpieces.
Beyond the Canvas: Modern Interpretations
The curator has also included more unconventional items to demonstrate Turner's pervasive cultural influence. Among the exhibits are a Bershka Turner sweater and a pair of Turner Doc Marten boots, loaned directly by Gustin herself. These items show how Turner's imagery and legacy extend into everyday fashion and popular culture.
This approach underscores the exhibition's core message: Turner is not just a historical figure, but an artist whose themes and aesthetic continue to be explored and reinterpreted. The blend of classic and modern art creates an accessible entry point for new audiences while offering fresh insights for seasoned art enthusiasts.
- Paintings by Monet and Pissarro are also part of the exhibition.
- Ethel Walker and Sheila Fell are other featured artists.
- Liverpool's 19th-century art patrons collected many of Turner's later works when they were not widely fashionable.
- The exhibition runs for over two years, concluding in February 2026.
The Walker Art Gallery's innovative exhibition provides a compelling narrative about artistic continuity and the timeless appeal of great art. By placing Turner in a contemporary context, it encourages visitors to find new meaning and appreciate the lasting impact of his genius.