NEWS OF OUR
ART GALLERY

From carnival-goers in the West Indies to voodoo ceremonies in west Africa, Nicola Lo Calzo’s photography confronts us with memories of slavery

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Italian-born, Paris-based artist Nicola Lo Calzo has for the last eight years worked on an expansive project, entitled Cham, researching the memories of the slave trade and slavery. All photographs: Nicola Lo Calzo/La Balsa Arte. Lo Calzo is showing at La Balsa Arta’s booth, at Photo Basel until 17 June

Michael Noakes obituary

Artist who made his name as a portrait painter – depicting actors, politicians and several members of the royal family

The artist Michael Noakes, who has died aged 84, turned high society portraiture into a home industry. During a career of more than 60 years, he painted actors, scientists, broadcasters, church leaders, presidents, prime ministers and members of the royal family, often from the comfort of his family home in St John’s Wood, north London, with many of the resulting portraits hanging in the National Portrait Gallery, as well as the British Museum and the House of Commons.

Michael made his name in 1972 with a commission from the Corporation of London to paint seven members of the royal family, including the Queen. Initially discomposed by the prospect of measuring a monarch with a felt-tip pen, Michael adapted quickly and was soon seen on the steps of No 10, recording the dimensions for a life-size trompe-l’oeil portrait of Margaret Thatcher. Controversial sitters inspired a mixed reception, with one painting of the former prime minister declared both “radiant” by the art dealer and broadcaster Philip Mould, and “lifeless” by the Guardian writer Jonathan Jones, but overall the artist enjoyed a reputation for being a traditionalist with an innovative streak.

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Alex Prager’s hyperreal
America – in pictures

From a car in a hole to a house ablaze, the American photographer’s bold, bright and frequently unsettling work captures the disquiet of modern life

Visitors can explore modern art collections in our curated space.
We highlight the beauty of Canadian artistic expression.
Our art gallery hosts seasonal exhibitions year-round.