Tate Britain focuses on the war work of artist to reveal Nash’s importance to British modern art. Here is what critics have been saying about it.
The Guardian: **** “He was never what you could call a great painter. Yet we keep returning to him, because his art is full of mystery and strangeness, suffering and wonder.”
The Upcoming: *** “There are some stunning paintings in the Paul Nash show, revealing the artist’s keen eye and understanding of the bold power of the British landscape. It’s a shame, however, that the exhibition doesn’t allow their dramatic force to take centre stage, insisting instead on exploring questions about style and influence, which remain largely unanswered.”
The Telegraph: **** “At its weakest, Nash’s work now looks rather whimsical and of its time. At its strongest, it gives a sense of powerful spiritual connection to the land that you won’t find in any other artist.”
Evening Standard: **** “These official war paintings are indeed among his greatest works.”
The Times: **** “This retrospective offers the first chance in 40 years to discover not just the full range but the true depth of this painter.”
Londonist: ***** “What this exhibition does very well is take us on Nash’s journey as an artist. We see that he was equally skilled at painting a lush garden and the sea covered with jagged ice floes.”
The Spectator: “Nash was a distinctly hit-and-miss painter but in his moments of greatness – during the first and second world wars – he could be visionary.”
London Visitors: “exhibition successfully provides a more rounded account of his work.”
Time Out: **** “At times, this is a gruelling show: Nash is a tightly wound artist and his variations on his themes can be hard to engage with. But it’s a rewarding one.”
Paul Nash is on display at Tate Britain until the 5th March 2017. For more information and to book tickets visit: http://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-britain/exhibition/paul-nash