Join Whitewall in anticipation of the most riveting art exhibitions of 2025. Gems include a far-reaching survey of works by the masterful Giuseppe Penone at London’s Serpentine South and the 19th International Architecture Exhibition in Venice, Italy.
Lisa Yuskavage
David Zwirner
606 N Western Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90004
Lisa Yuskavage, “Peacock Infestation in the Garret,” 2024 (detail); courtesy of the artist and David Zwirner.
Commencing in February 2025, David Zwirner raises the curtain on a beguiling exhibition by the skillful American artist Lisa Yuskavage. It has been nearly three decades since the visionary creative exhibited in Los Angeles, and the momentous occasion also marks Yuskavage’s ninth solo show with the distinguished gallery. New and recent paintings will debut at the must-see presentation, and viewers will find themselves immersed in captivating art studios radiating with vivid tones, textures, figures, and objects.
Why we love it: Iconic as well as fresh symbols and characters arise in each dynamic piece, re-introducing audiences to the illustrious artist’s ever-evolving process and limitless inspirations.
Lisa Yuskavage at David Zwirner.
Opening February 18, 2025.
Giuseppe Penone
Serpentine South
Kensington Gardens, London W2 3XA
Giuseppe Penone, “Impronte di luce,” 2023, 72 1/8 x 72 1/8 in., oil on canvas; © Archivio Penone, photo by Ruggero Penone, courtesy of the studio and Gagosian.
In London, Serpentine South will debut a far-reaching survey of works by the masterful Giuseppe Penone on April 3, 2025. The ever-inspiring Italian creative offers recent explorations as well as treasures dating back to 1977, with a spotlight on mesmeric sculptures and works on paper. Wondrous experimentations with plaster, bronze, and terracotta, as well as wax, wood, and iron reveal the multidimensional layers of Penone’s singular and meaningful artistry.
Why we love it: The sweeping presentation takes place within the bounty of Kensington Gardens, inviting guests to bask in a riveting conversation between Penone’s spellbinding creativity, Mother Nature’s majesty, and our own footprint on the fragile environment.
Giuseppe Penone at Serpentine South.
April 3, 2025 – September 2025.
“Ruth Asawa: A Retrospective”
MoMA
11 West 53 Street, Manhattan, New York, New York, 10019
Ruth Asawa, “Untitled (S.055, Hanging Asymmetrical Nine Interlocking Bubbles),” c. 1955; Private Collection
© 2021 Ruth Asawa Lanier, Inc. / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York, courtesy of David Zwirner.
“Ruth Asawa: A Retrospective” will gracefully unfold next year on the sixth floor of MoMA within the Steven and Alexandra Cohen Center for Special Exhibitions. Here, the late, pioneering artist, educator, and civic leader Ruth Asawa is celebrated in a union of her unflinching artworks, honoring her remarkable 60-year career. More than 300 pieces are in store for visitors, sparking an awe-inspiring journey through her public works, wire sculptures, drawings, bronze casts, prints, and paintings.
Why we love it: The exhibition’s highlight of Asawa’s fierce dedication to community by way of enveloping public commissions—including soaring memorials, fountains, and murals.
Oct 19, 2025 – Feb 7, 2026.
“Superfine: Tailoring Black Style”
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
1000 5th Ave, New York, NY 10028
Unknown (American). [Studio Portrait], 1940s–50s. Gelatin silver print. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Twentieth-Century Photography Fund, 2015 (2015.330). Courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.
In dynamic partnership with Louis Vuitton, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” is the the Costume Institute’s principal spring 2025 presentation. Through a highly nuanced historical and cultural lens, the show embraces every pivotal facet of the Black dandy. Deeply energized by Guest Curator Monica L. Miller’s riveting 2009 book: Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity, the show voyages from the 18th century through to present day. At its heart, the lush exhibition shines light on the enormous significance of sartorial style in evolving Black identities throughout the Atlantic diaspora, and imparts the ways in which it unearthed newfound opportunities.
Why we love it: A myriad of enthralling garments, film excerpts, photographs, drawings, and more culminate in an absorbing and essential chronicle.
“Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” at The Met.
May 10, 2025 – October 26, 2025.
“Body and Soul”
Bourse de Commerce, Pinault Collection
2 Rue de Viarmes, 75001 Paris, France
Michael Armitage, “Cave,” 2021, Oil on Lubugo bark cloth 200 x 150 cm; © Michael Armitage. Photo: Theo Christelis / White Cube Pinault Collection. Courtesy of Bourse de Commerce, Pinault Collection.
Bourse de Commerce unveils 100 decisive artworks from the Pinault Collection in “Body and Soul,” investigating contemporary art’s astounding mediation on the human experience. The presentation brings together the perceptive artistry of Auguste Rodin, Duane Hanson, Georg Baselitz, Ana Mendieta, David Hammons, Marlene Dumas, Arthur Jafa, Ali Cherr, and many more. Nearly forty creatives are included in the show, with epic moments of drawing, photography, sculpture, painting, and video.
Why we love it: Three major films by Jafa will have their inaugural debut in Paris, and Love is the Message, the Message is Death (2016) is placed as a magnetic focal point of “Body and Soul.”
“Body and Soul” at The Bourse de Commerce.
March 5, 2025 – August 25, 2025.
“Jack Whitten: The Messenger”
MoMA
11 West 53 Street, Manhattan, New York, New York, 10019
“Atopolis: For Édouard Glissant,” Jack Whitten, 2014; Overall 124 1/2 × 248 1/2″ (316.2 × 631.2 cm); Acrylic on canvas, 8 panels; Acquired through the generosity of Sid R. Bass, Lonti Ebers, Agnes Gund, Henry and Marie-Josée Kravis, Jerry Speyer and Katherine Farley, and Daniel and Brett Sundheim; Courtesy of the artist and MoMA.
The enchanting, inaugural retrospective to date of artist Jack Whitten’s trailblazing creativity opens at MoMA in March of 2025. Cascading through 60 years of his cutting-edge practice, over 175 sculptures, works on paper, and paintings abound. A unique proficiency with a variety of tools, including electrostatic printing and Afro combs, proved to be a powerful engagement with racism and a chaotic, swiftly changing world.
Why we love it: Never-before-seen artworks are on display, illuminating Whitten’s passionate quest through immense themes such as love, war, technology, and jazz music.
March 23, 2025 – August 2, 2025.
“Amy Sherald: American Sublime”
The Whitney Museum of American Art
99 Gansevoort St, New York, NY 10014
“Amy Sherald: American Sublime,” courtesy of the artist and The Whitney Museum of American Art.
“Amy Sherald: American Sublime” will unfold as the inaugural major museum survey of the esteemed, New York-based artist. Within the splendid Whitney Museum of American Art, nearly 50 paintings, including early portraits and trademark, moving figure paintings, will enthrall all ages. In prismatic palettes, portraits of First Lady Michelle Obama and Breonna Taylor will be on view beside rarely seen artworks and a bespoke creation for the luminous show.
Why we love it: This solo presentation explores the artist’s tremendous influence on the contemporary art landscape as well as our modern culture as a whole, peeling back layer upon layer of American and human identity.
Apr 9, 2025 – August 2025.
“Cecily Brown: Themes and Variations”
The Barnes Foundation
2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA 19130
Cecily Brown, “We didn’t mean to go to sea,” 2018, oil on linen, 89 x 83 inches, The Rachofsky Collection. © Cecily Brown, photo by Genevieve Hanson.
In a spirited partnership with the Dallas Museum of Art, “Cecily Brown: Themes and Variations” will salute the accomplished, prolific artist in a substantial, survey exhibition. Within the walls of the Roberts Gallery, over 30 paintings and a selection of coinciding drawings emphasize the creative’s unwavering, feminist point of view, boldly taking on matters of sexual violence and voyeurism.
Why we love it: Luxuriant works balance abstraction and figuration with strength and sensuality, revealing long-lasting gender inequalities across art history.
Cecily Brown at The Barnes Foundation.
March 9, 2025 – May 25, 2025.
“Gilbert & George: 21ST CENTURY PICTURES”
Hayward Gallery
Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, London SE1 8XX, UK
Gilbert George, “HA-HA,” 2022; courtesy of the artists and Hayward Gallery.
On October 7 in London, the prominent Hayward Gallery at Southbank Centre will present “Gilbert & George: 21ST CENTURY PICTURES,” showcasing 25 years of the creative pair’s riveting explorations. On view through January 4, 2026, expansive and colorful artworks concentrate on the multi-faceted human experience, eternally championing the mantra of “Art for all.”
Why we love it: Each piece offers influential, single-word titles and dives deeply into societal standards as well as taboos, stimulating the mind and the heart.
Gilbert & George at Hayward Gallery.
October 7, 2025 – January 4, 2026.
Camille Henrot: “A Number of Things”
Hauser & Wirth
542 W 22nd St, New York, NY 10011
Camille Henrot, “1263 3612 (Abacus),” 2024; courtesy of the artist and Hauser & Wirth.
The Berlin and New York-based, multi-disciplinary artist Camille Henrot unveils a thrilling new series of bronze sculptures in “A Number of Things,” on view from January 30 – April 12, 2025 at Hauser & Wirth’s 22nd street locale. Within the artist’s inaugural major presentation with the gallery, Abacus creations recall a range of intriguing objects, from ancient counting devices to children’s developmental tools. Juxtaposed with smaller artworks, the beaming exhibition sparks discourse on the purity of the human imagination and society’s more rigid motifs.
Why we love it: Henrot’s ingenious sculptures will be shown alongside lustrous new paintings of the Dos and Dont’s series—with immersive gallery floor design by Charlap Hyman & Herrero.
Camille Henrot at Hauser & Wirth.
January 30, 2025 – April 12, 2025.
Biennale Architettura 2025
Giardini / Arsenale
Ca’ Giustinian, San Marco 1364/A, 30124 Venice
Image Courtesy of The 19th International Architecture Exhibition, Venice, Italy.
On May 10 in Venice, Italy, the celebratory 19th International Architecture Exhibition will unite visitors from around the world to bask in creative and masterful innovation, on view through November 23. Deftly curated by renowned architect and engineer Carlo Ratti, the momentous event titled “Intelligens. Natural. Artificial. Collective.” will place its heart in the prismatic elements of today’s built environment.
Why we love it: The forward-thinking presentation visually captivates while working diligently to solve our planet’s most critical issues, embracing a myriad of design proposals.
Biennale Architettura 2025 at Giardini / Arsenale.
May 10, 2025 – November 23, 2025.
Rashid Johnson: “A Poem for Deep Thinkers”
The Guggenheim
1071 5th Ave, New York, NY 10128
Rashid Johnson, “The Broken Five,” detail, 2048 x 1152; Courtesy of the artist and The Guggenheim, New York.
The acclaimed artist Rashid Johnson brings to light a comprehensive solo presentation at The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York this year, on view through January 18, 2026. The trailblazing art history scholar invokes divine realms of music, philosophy, literature, and Black popular culture into otherworldly works of contemporary art. Nearly 90 artworks will enrapture international visitors, leaping between spray-painted text creations, black-soap paintings, video, film, and vast sculptures.
Why we love it: A multi-faceted program of immersive events will unfold alongside the exhibition, each of which was cultivated in bespoke fashion with esteemed local organizations.
Rashid Johnson at The Guggenheim.
April 18, 2025 – January 18, 2026.
Cartier
V&A South Kensington
Cromwell Rd, London SW7 2RL, United Kingdom
Brooch in amethyst, diamond, sapphire and platinum, Cartier London, about 1933, by Vincent Wulveryck, Collection Cartier; Courtesy of Cartier and V&A South Kensington.
This spring at V&A South Kensington in London, Maison Cartier casts a radiant spell over the city with a momentous exhibition of awe-inspiring treasures. Over 350 creations, from historic gemstones, to emblematic timepieces, to precious jewels will be on magnificent display. Highlights include a mesmerizing 1933 brooch of vivid amethyst, diamond, sapphire, and platinum by Vincent Wulveryck.
Why we love it: Locals and global audiences alike will have the exceptional opportunity to voyage through the brand’s past, present, and future of masterful creativity and meticulous attention to craftsmanship.
Cartier at V&A South Kensington.
Opening April 12, 2025.
“The Genesis Exhibition: Do Ho Suh: Walk the House”
Tate Modern
Bankside, London SE1 9TG, UK
Do Ho Suh, “Rubbing/Loving Project: Seoul Home,” 2013-2022,
Installation view at Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, Sydney, Australia. Photography by Jessica Maurer. © Do Ho Suh; Courtesy of the artist and Tate Modern.
While in London, be sure to experience “The Genesis Exhibition: Do Ho Suh: Walk the House,” an unparalleled major survey presentation by the Korean-born, London-based artist. Ingenious and enveloping large-scale installations are not-to-be-missed, as are the visionary’s perceptive explorations in drawing, sculpture, and video. Suh invites audiences of all ages to meditate on the ever-evolving concept of home by way of trademark fabric installations, connecting expressive threads from Seoul, to New York, to London.
Why we love it: The elegant, fair-tale-like exhibition encompasses 30 years of visceral investigations, with brand new and site-specific creations urging us to reflect deeply on architecture, identity, and memory.
May 1, 2025 – October 19, 2025.
