Magritte at the Gagosian London
“The mind loves the unknown. It loves images whose meaning is unknown, since the meaning of the mind itself is unknown.”
― René Magritte
Great artists endure. DADA and the surrealists have contributed hugely to the zeitgeist of the 20th and 21st centuries. From films to advertising, their tactic of “making strange” is utilised by creators extensively, to attract eyeballs for both art and commerce. I suspect some of the surrealists would be horrified by this, although others – like a reincarnated Salvador Dali – would be influencer types lusting for views, traffic and clicks…
This Is Still Not a Pipe
The Afterlife of Magritte
September 24–December 12, 2026
Gagosian Grosvenor Hill, London
This is a rare opportunity to see close-up many iconic Magritte images. He was, justifiably, one of the greats of modern art. I had always wondered how he created his “hyper-realistic” paintings, and was surprised to find that they were just meticulous oil on canvas. Up close you can see the brushstrokes and weave of the material. They work most effectively when you are farther away.
These paintings still are able to startle and amaze even now. They are a fencing-thrust into your consciousness despite the familiarity of many pictures. They still provoke thoughtfulness as their creator intended.
Artwork © Dana Schutz; © 2026 ADAGP, Paris and DACS; © Jill Mulleady; © Talia Chetrit; © Anna Weyant; © Alex Da Corte; © Isabelle Albuquerque; © Rachel Harrison; © Mona Hatoum; © Nairy Baghramian; © Jordan Wolfson; © Jeff Koons; © Sarah Lucas Photos: Julian Jackson.
The exhibition also has works by other, more modern, artists influenced by Magritte. These pieces are less successful as I felt their artistry was inferior compared to the master. A silvered train set and some “shocking” depictions of women’s’ bodies doesn’t fall into the same category. Magritte didn’t bother with anything so tawdry.
Some of his later paintings are on show, where he pivoted to a different style. They do not seem to have the majesty of his earlier achievements. However it was pleasing to see where he went after his “classic” period.
Apparently he did these inferior works to annoy people. Very surrealist.
The surrealists remain a powerful impetus in creative endeavours. Magritte towers above the contemporary art scene and it is great to see so many of his works together.