Volcanic Art Hits Edinburgh, Blooms Sweep Brussels, Henri Can-Can 2026

This week in art, volcanic raunch hits Edinburgh, blooms sweep Brussels, and Henri does the can-can. The Edinburgh art festival showcases science-minded artist Katie Paterson in a repurposed observatory, while Brussels prepares a massive dahlia carpet on the Grand-Place.

Edinburgh Art Festival Highlights

The Edinburgh art festival transforms the city with exhibitions in memorable venues. Katie Paterson’s work finds a natural home in the Collective Gallery’s observatory on Calton Hill, offering a unique blend of art and science.

Other artists like Del LaGrace Volcano and Eva Rothschild also feature prominently, each bringing their distinct perspectives to the festival’s diverse program. The festival runs until 30 August, making it a must-see for art enthusiasts.

Zurbarán at the National Gallery

Last chance to experience the mystical and wondrous encounter with Spanish genius Zurbarán at the National Gallery in London. This exhibition, closing 23 August, offers a rare glimpse into the artist’s spiritual and dramatic works.

Glenn Brown at Holburne, Bath

Glenn Brown’s strange and sensual paintings fit insidiously into Gainsborough’s rococo Bath. The exhibition at Holburne, Bath, runs until 6 September, showcasing Brown’s unique style that challenges traditional aesthetics.

Brussels Flower Carpet: A Blooming Spectacle

In Brussels, the Grand-Place is transformed into a psychedelically radiant version of Hokusai’s iconic woodblock print, The Great Wave off Kanagawa. This masterpiece is created from half a million dahlias, arranged by hand, covering 1,680 square meters.

The flower carpet will be swept away on 16 August, so visitors have limited time to witness this ephemeral art. It’s a stunning example of how art can be both temporary and impactful.

Other Exhibitions to Watch

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Portrait Award and Exploring Identity at the Laing Art Gallery, Newcastle, offers a historical perspective on contemporary faces. Staging the Baroque at Castle Howard, Yorkshire, explores the genius of Sir John Vanbrugh in his finest architectural work.

Key Takeaways from This Week’s Art News

• Edinburgh art festival features Katie Paterson and others in unique venues until 30 August.
• Brussels dahlia carpet recreates Hokusai’s Great Wave, on display until 16 August.
• Zurbarán’s exhibition at the National Gallery closes 23 August – don’t miss it.
• Glenn Brown’s paintings at Holburne, Bath, run until 6 September.
• Portrait Award and Staging the Baroque offer diverse art experiences.

Comparison of Major Exhibitions

What We Learned This Week

Novelist Iris Murdoch’s unknown work as a painter will be shown for the first time, revealing a new facet of her creative genius. A new book explores David Hockney’s relationship with swimming-pool owner and muse Betty Freeman.

Edinburgh fringe has a phenomenal theatre portrait of Francis Bacon and George Dyer, while Isabel Nolan’s artworks use religious symbolism to elevate her heroes, such as Tony Soprano. Painter Hermione Carline used veils of oil colour to evoke beautiful light effects.

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