Gwen John

British, Welsh · 1876–1939

Welsh painter who spent most of her adult life in Paris, creating interior scenes and single female figures of unusual psychological concentration. Working in muted, refined palettes, John developed a language of quiet restraint that distinguished her from her contemporaries. Her reputation has grown considerably since her death in 1939.

Gwen John on now and coming soon exhibitions

Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art

Gwen John: Strange Beauties

Until Jan 4, 2027

PaintingDrawing & Works on PaperPost-ImpressionismGwen John

First major UK retrospective of Gwen John in over 40 years

5/5 from 1 rating

""Our work in life is to develop ourselves and so fulfil our destiny," John wrote to her friend Dorelia McNeill in 1904. This show is a beautiful testament to that."

The Times

Gwen John past exhibitions

Ended

National Museum Cardiff

Gwen John: Strange Beauties

Ended Jun 28

PaintingDrawing & Works on PaperPost-ImpressionismGwen John

A once-in-a-generation retrospective marking Gwen John's 150th birthday

5/5 from 2 ratings

"She returned repeatedly to the same subjects and compositions – contemplative women, sparsely furnished interiors, still lifes, devoted churchgoers – and each time saw them through fresh and attentive eyes. The result is art that's sensitive but unsentimental, studious, and, yes, strangely beautiful."

The Independent

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