Art Week Highlights: Simple Nudes, Priceless Fakes 2026

This week in art brings a fascinating mix of simple nudes, priceless fakes, and riches from an emperor's palace, with major exhibitions opening across the UK. From the V&A's sumptuous Constantinople to Istanbul show to Elaine Sturtevant's provocative reproductions, there's plenty to capture the imagination.

Constantinople to Istanbul: A Journey Through Two Empires

The V&A's latest exhibition, Constantinople to Istanbul: One City, Two Empires, offers a sumptuous and haunting mystery tour through the city's history. From the tulips and silks of the Ottoman court back to Emperor Constantine's palace, the show spans centuries of cultural exchange.

Running from 7 November to 9 May at V&A South Kensington, this exhibition is a must-see for anyone interested in the intersection of art, power, and empire. The rich displays include textiles, ceramics, and architectural fragments that tell the story of a city at the crossroads of Europe and Asia.

Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant: A Complex Relationship

Opening at Tate Britain from 12 November, Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant explores the intertwined lives and work of two modern painters at the heart of the Bloomsbury Group. Their complex relationship, both personal and artistic, is brought to life through paintings, designs, and personal ephemera.

This exhibition sheds light on how their partnership shaped early 20th-century British art, from bold post-impressionist canvases to decorative interiors. It's a rare chance to see their work together in depth.

Ida Applebroog: Angry Birds of America and Naked Portraits

At the Fruitmarket Gallery in Edinburgh until 11 February, Ida Applebroog presents Angry Birds of America, a series of animal images that updates Audubon for the Trump era. Alongside these, her naked portraits celebrate human variety and challenge conventional beauty standards.

Applebroog's work is known for its unflinching look at power, gender, and the body. This exhibition is both timely and timeless, offering a space to reflect on how we judge and are judged.

Glenn Brown Takes on Gainsborough

Contemporary painter Glenn Brown brings his superbly decadent style to Gainsborough's House in Sudbury until 18 April. Brown takes on the luscious genius of Thomas Gainsborough, creating a dialogue between past and present that is both irreverent and deeply respectful.

Known for his appropriations and transformations of art history, Brown's work here promises to be a highlight for fans of both artists.

Alexis Kyle Mitchell: Health Inequalities and Body Judgments

At Site Gallery in Sheffield until 21 March, Alexis Kyle Mitchell presents an exhibition about health inequalities and the way people's bodies are judged. Through installation and mixed media, Mitchell examines how societal norms and medical systems shape our perceptions of health and beauty.

This show is part of a growing conversation about accessibility and representation in the art world and beyond.

Image of the Week: Elaine Sturtevant's Warhol Black Marilyn

Our image of the week is Elaine Sturtevant's Warhol Black Marilyn (2004), a screenprint that reproduces Andy Warhol's famous Marilyn Monroe image. While Warhol recreated Monroe countless times, Sturtevant's work turns the lens back on the pop art king himself, creating a feedback loop of reproduction.

Sturtevant, who died in 2014, was known for her 'repetitions' of other artists' works, challenging notions of originality and authorship. This piece is a prime example of her radical approach.

Key Takeaways from This Week in Art

• Constantinople to Istanbul at V&A offers a rich journey through two empires.
• Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant at Tate Britain explores their complex relationship.
• Ida Applebroog at Fruitmarket Gallery tackles contemporary issues through animal and nude portraits.
• Glenn Brown at Gainsborough's House creates a dialogue with art history.
• Alexis Kyle Mitchell at Site Gallery addresses health inequalities and body judgments.

Exhibition Comparison

As the art world continues to grapple with questions of originality and representation, these exhibitions offer timely reflections. For a deeper look at how artists challenge conventions, consider the legacy of Hermione Carline's obituary: a life in art and textile design, which highlights a pioneering figure in textile art. Similarly, the awe-inspired by Ca' Granda: help & multiply art at Milan Design Week shows how historic spaces can host contemporary art interventions.

In the realm of reproduction and originality, the Designers Republic: Sheffield's art for Aphex Twin and gaming demonstrates how graphic design blurs the lines between art and commerce. Another article on Designers Republic: 40 years of iconic art for Aphex Twin delves into their lasting influence. For those seeking a relaxed arty break, Eindhoven: a relaxed arty break in the Dutch design city offers inspiration for your next cultural trip.