Experience the underappreciated art of Burra and Colquhoun in a captivating exhibition at Tate Britain.
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Is there a safe space to express disdain for overcrowded blockbuster art exhibitions? Picture this: galleries teeming with visitors snapping selfies, leaving little room for genuine engagement with the artist’s life work. Yet, if you’re looking for a refreshing change, Tate Britain is the place to be.
Their latest double feature is a masterclass in how art should be experienced.
Immersing in the artistic journey
This exhibition showcases Edward Burra and Ithell Colquhoun, two British artists whose works, while distinct, intertwine with a thread of latent queerness.
It’s a fitting tribute for Pride Month, offering a nuanced exploration of their artistic contributions without the heavy-handed corporate rainbow motifs.
Burra, a man of his time, had an uncanny knack for capturing the essence of the vibrant 1920s and beyond. His journeys through the south of France during its roaring years and his immersion in the jazz clubs of Harlem during the Renaissance are brought to life. Visitors can even enjoy a curated playlist of Burra’s personal record collection as they stroll through the gallery. For those who prefer quieter contemplation, ear defenders are available at the entrance, demonstrating thoughtful accessibility.
A keen eye for detail
Burra had a remarkable eye for fashion, and each canvas invites viewers to linger, admiring the intricate detailing of shoes and dramatic makeup of the era. Rare sketches and personal letters filled with witty gossip offer a glimpse into his creative process. His experiences during the Spanish Civil War left an indelible mark on his work, showcasing the stark contrast between beauty and violence. His wartime pieces, featuring soldiers along the British coast, are strikingly intense, blending eroticism with haunting imagery.
Later in life, Burra turned his focus to landscapes—however, these are far from the vibrant, cheerful depictions seen in contemporary art. Instead, they reflect a somber reality, critiquing the mining industry’s destruction of nature. The curators have also taken care to highlight Burra’s lifelong battle with rheumatoid arthritis, showcasing how he adapted his techniques, favoring watercolors and gouache for their luminosity.
Unveiling Ithell Colquhoun
On the other hand, Colquhoun’s work has been overlooked for far too long. As a pioneering figure in the British surrealist movement, her art often explored Sapphic themes, delving into the occult and the mystical. This exhibition marks the largest showcase of her work to date, moving from Tate St Ives.
Colquhoun’s fascination with automatism led her to experiment with decalcomania—an intriguing technique that involved pressing paint between sheets of paper, creating Rorschach-like images. Her pieces are filled with symbolism, including wilting cucumbers and blooming vulvas, unapologetically celebrating femininity.
Captivating pieces and reflections
Among the exhibition’s highlights is Colquhoun’s **Scylla** (1938), a large canvas that blurs the lines between abstraction and figuration, evoking both desire and tension. Yet, it’s her smaller works that truly captivate. The collaged pages of **Boudoir**, depicting an illicit lesbian encounter, draw viewers in, while a delicate watercolor of two women in an embrace glows like stained glass.
While big institutions often rely on blockbuster exhibitions for revenue, this dual showcase provides a rare opportunity for genuine connection with art. The experience is about more than just viewing; it’s about immersing oneself in the nuanced narratives and emotions that these artists convey.
Edward Burra and Ithell Colquhoun’s exhibition at Tate Britain runs until October 19, 2025. A feast for the eyes and the mind, it’s a must-visit for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of art and its complexities.
