Kaye Donachie: Song for the Last Act
[ Exhibition )
Kaye Donachie, Monotonous Remorse, 2019
The first solo museum show in the UK by contemporary painter Kaye Donachie.
Kaye Donachie’s paintings take inspiration from the lives and works of female figures from the past. Her portraits are not exact depictions, but draw on literature, biography and archival imagery of innovative early 20th century poets, writers, and artists. Often leading unconventional lives, these women made significant contributions to art and culture, but many remain marginalised figures in history. In reimagining historic women in contemporary portraits, Donachie explores their resonance for viewers today. The exhibition presented new and recent paintings – including works that Donachie created especially for this exhibition.
Song for the Last Act: Chorus
Alongside her own work, Donachie also curated a display of paintings and drawings that she chose from our collection. This personal selection included works by Edouard Manet, Walter Sickert and Suzanne Valadon that explore Donachie’s interest in the interface between the real and the imaginary, figuration, and abstraction.
★★★★ ”Donachie’s vivid portraits intrigue and charm in a lively exhibition”
The Guardian
Download Large Print Labels
Highlights from the exhibition
Exhibition supporter
Want to find out more?
Get the exhibition book
Purchase your copy of Kaye’s monograph exploring the complexities of the muse and female agency in art and literature.
Access Art On-Demand
Hear about Kaye Donachie’s practice and inspirations in her own words. Enjoy a recording of an in conversation event with Kaye and our director, Simon Martin in the comfort of your own space.
Take a deep dive
Download the free Bloomberg Connects app and get to enjoy in-depth explorations of works in our collection in the Gallery or at home.
Join an Exhibition Tour
Join one of our exhibition tours with a passionate Gallery guide, who will take you through the breadth of fascinating works in included in the show.
