For the first time, Tate Modern tells the intertwined stories of photography and abstract art
The birth of abstract art and the invention of photography were both defining moments in modern visual culture, but these two stories are often told separately.
Shape of Light is the first major exhibition to explore the relationship between the two, spanning the century from the 1910s to the present day. It brings to life the innovation and originality of photographers over this period, and shows how they responded and contributed to the development of abstraction.
Key photographs are brought together from pioneers including Man Ray
Right [Maya Rochat A Rock is a River (META CARROTS) 2017 © Maya Rochat – courtesy Lily Robert]
Maya Rochat, A Rock is a River (META CARROTS), 2017 © Maya Rochat – courtesy Lily Robert
[László Moholy-Nagy, ‘K VII’ 1922] László Moholy-Nagy K VII
John Divola 74V11, 1974, Jack Kirkland Collection, Nottingham © John Divola
[Barbara Kasten Photogenic Painting, Untitled 74/13 1974 Courtesy the artist and Thomas Dane Gallery, London © Barbara Kasten]
Barbara Kasten, Photogenic Painting, Untitled, 74/13 1974 Courtesy the artist and Thomas Dane Gallery, London © Barbara Kasten
[Man Ray Rayograph 1922 Private Collection © Man Ray Trust/ADAGP, Paris and DACS, London 2018]
Man Ray, Rayograph, 1922, Private Collection © Man Ray Trust/ADAGP, Paris and DACS, London 2018
[Aleksandr Rodchenko Radio Station Power 1929 Lent by Jack Kirkland Collection, Nottingham © A. Rodchenko & V. Stepanova Archive. DACS, RAO 2018]
Aleksandr Rodchenko, Radio Station Power, 1929, Lent by Jack Kirkland Collection, Nottingham © A. Rodchenko & V. Stepanova Archive. DACS, RAO 2018
[Alvin Langdon Coburn Vortograph 1917 George Eastman House, Rochester, New York © The Universal Order]
Alvin Langdon Coburn, Vortograph, 1917, George Eastman House, Rochester, New York © The Universal Order
[Wyndham Lewis Workshop c.1914-5 Tate Purchased 1974 © Wyndham Lewis and the estate of Mrs G A Wyndham Lewis by kind permission of the Wyndham Lewis Memorial Trust (a registered charity)]
Wyndham Lewis, Workshop, c.1914-5 Tate Purchased 1974 © Wyndham Lewis and the estate of Mrs G A Wyndham Lewis by kind permission of the Wyndham Lewis Memorial Trust (a registered charity)
[Maya Rochat A Rock is a River (META LOVE) 2017]
Maya Rochat A Rock is a River (META LOVE) 2017
TATE MODERN Bankside London SE1 9TG Plan your visit
2 May – 14 October 2018
PRICING
£16FREE for Members
Admission £18 (£16 Advance booking)
Concession £17 (£15 Advance booking)
Under 12s FREE (up to four per family adult)
Family tickets available (two adults and two children 12–18 years) by telephone or in the gallery
See Shape of Light and The EY Exhibition: Picasso 1932(until 9 Sep) for £32 with a combined ticket. Offer bookable via The EY Exhibition: Picasso 1932
