Exhibition on Screen: James McNeill Whistler

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Unveiling the bold, innovative artist behind one of the most famous paintings in history, this exhibition on screen reawakens the world to James McNeill Whistler's work and legacy.

“An artist is not paid for his labour but for his vision.”

In an era of great change and great beauty emerged the character of James McNeill Whistler. Considered by some to be one of the great innovators of 19th century art, he was a contemporary of the Impressionists, much admired by Van Gogh and Manet. Boldly experimental and famously witty, Whistler disrupted the strict conventions of Victorian society in pursuit of a new cult of beauty, creating “art for art’s sake” and earning himself a place in the history of great art.

He found a parallel between painting and music, and entitled many of his paintings “arrangements”, “harmonies” and “nocturnes”, emphasizing the importance of tonal harmony in his work. His most famous painting, Arrangement in Grey and Black No. 1 (1871), commonly known as Whistler’s Mother, is a revered and often parodied portrait of motherhood. The Guardian referred to it as "America’s equivalent of the Mona Lisa". It is arguably one of the most famous paintings in history and this film will unveil the artist behind the art.

This blockbuster exhibition promises to reawaken the world to just how important Whistler is to art history, uniting world-famous masterpieces with rarely seen works. Exhibition on Screen brings these stunning works and the incredible story behind them to cinemas around the world while the exhibition is still running at Tate Britain, bringing this truly global artist to a global audience.

This will be an unmissable chance to get to know this visually spectacular artist and the influence he has had on those who followed.

Made in close collaboration with Tate Britain.