Begin the new year with events, concerts, theater, and more, the best things to do this January

Read time 4 minutes

Francis Bacon, Study for Bullfight No. 1, 1969© The Estate of Francis Bacon. All rights reserved, DACS/Artimage 2020, Photo: Prudence Cuming Associates Ltd

Art reveals our shared humanity, connecting us across time and space. These exhibitions remind us of the enduring power of creativity.

Anton Corbijn’s iconic black-and-white photography has immortalized cultural giants, from David Bowie to Kurt Cobain. Known for capturing the raw essence of his subjects, Corbijn’s work transcends the moment, turning fleeting expressions into timeless narratives. This January, a curated exhibition by Simon de Pury will open in The Hague, offering an intimate glimpse into Corbijn’s unmatched artistry.

Leigh Bowery wasn’t just a performer; he was a walking work of art. Bowery’s avant-garde fashion and theatrical performances shattered norms and celebrated individuality. A new exhibition at London’s Fitzrovia Chapel delves into Bowery’s bold, unapologetic legacy, featuring rare archival footage and designs that continue to influence contemporary art and fashion.

Dawoud Bey and Carrie Mae Weems, two leading voices in photography, explore the depths of African American identity and resilience. Their joint exhibition at the Grand Rapids Art Museum reveals how their visions intertwine to tell stories that resonate far beyond their personal experiences. Running through April, the collection underscores the power of shared narratives.

Anton Corbijn, Naomi Campbell, London 1994© Anton Corbijn

John Stezaker’s work thrives on mystery. Through surreal collages that splice together vintage photographs, Stezaker invites viewers into a fragmented, noir-inspired dreamscape. His upcoming Double Shadow exhibition at The Approach gallery in London examines duality and perception in a way only he can.

Kahlil Robert Irving elevates overlooked narratives through sculpture and digital installations. His current exhibition at MoMA transforms everyday objects into powerful symbols of survival and identity. Running through May, Irving’s work challenges viewers to see beauty and meaning in the mundane.

Francis Bacon’s visceral paintings blur the lines between humanity and primal instinct. His grotesque yet haunting imagery explores vulnerability and chaos, offering an unfiltered look at human emotion. A retrospective titled Man and Beast opens this January at London’s Royal Academy, spanning five decades of his transformative art.

Carrie Mae Weems, Harlem Street, 1976-77© Carrie Mae Weems, Courtesy of the artist and Jack Shainman Gallery, New York

Ceramics take on new meaning in Body Vessel Clay, a London-based exhibition celebrating Black women’s contributions to the medium. Spanning 70 years of artistic innovation, the collection highlights figures like Ladi Kwali alongside contemporary creators such as Jade Montserrat. The show reminds viewers of the cultural significance of clay as a storytelling medium.

The legacy of Alvin Ailey lives on in the documentary Ailey. Directed by Jamila Wignot, the film reveals Ailey’s genius and impact on the dance world, using movement to explore themes of cultural pride and resilience. Rare archival footage provides a window into the choreographer’s life and work.

Andrea Arnold’s Cow offers a meditative exploration of the human-animal bond. Focusing on the life of a dairy cow, the documentary transforms routine labor into poignant storytelling. Through Arnold’s lens, the film captures the complexities of connection and compassion.

“Art is the thread that weaves humanity together. Through creativity, we come to understand who we are and where we’re going.”

John Stezaker, Blue Double Shadow XII, 2020© the artist, courtesy of The Approach

Firouzeh Khosrovani’s Radiograph of a Family chronicles her parents’ divided lives during Iran’s Islamic Revolution. Combining personal memories with historical events, the film paints an intimate picture of family love caught in ideological conflict. It’s both a deeply personal and universally resonant narrative.

Sebastião Salgado’s Amazônia series highlights the natural beauty and fragility of the rainforest. A retrospective at London’s Science Museum brings Salgado’s breathtaking images to a broader audience, advocating for environmental preservation through visual storytelling.

Nan Goldin’s work has always been a raw and tender reflection of life’s vulnerabilities. Her photographs, which span themes of love, addiction, and loss, will take center stage in a Stockholm exhibition. This career-spanning retrospective highlights Goldin’s unparalleled ability to capture the human condition.

Robert Kahlil Irving, Black and Yellow – CAUTION, 2021Courtesy of the artist

Olafur Eliasson’s Life reimagines how we connect with nature. Transforming Fondation Beyeler into an immersive, biophilic space, the installation invites visitors to engage with the living environment. It’s a reminder of the delicate relationship between humanity and the planet.

Theaster Gates’ Black Chapel underscores the transformative power of art in creating community. Opening at London’s Serpentine Gallery, the installation blends sculpture, music, and history to reimagine public spaces as hubs for reflection and healing.

Cindy Sherman’s self-portraits have always challenged identity and societal roles. Her upcoming MoMA exhibition revisits her early work, critiquing the performative nature of gender and persona through her groundbreaking lens.

Ailey, 2022(Film still)

Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirror Rooms return to the Tate Modern, offering visitors a journey into endless reflections. Known for her polka dots and immersive environments, Kusama’s work continues to captivate audiences worldwide, exploring themes of eternity and connection.

Kara Walker’s silhouettes confront the dark legacy of slavery and racial violence. Her Whitney Museum exhibition Shadows and Light juxtaposes haunting imagery with undeniable beauty, forcing viewers to reckon with history’s uncomfortable truths.

Francis Bacon resurfaces with another layer of his genius in Man and Beast. This Royal Academy showcase revisits his obsession with humanity’s animal instincts. Spanning five decades, the exhibition offers an unprecedented look at Bacon’s raw emotional depth.

Text by
Kelly Barnes

Posted
January 4, 2022

Text by
Kelly Barnes

August 9, 2018

Exhibitions

de Pury Presents … Anton Corbijn, : January 24 – February 28, 2022
Dutch photographer Anton Corbijn is best known for his candid celebrity portraits. His subjects span everyone from David Bowie, Miles Davis, and Kurt Cobain to Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, and Donatella Versace, each captured in a hazy black-and-white style, achieved by setting a slow shutter speed to evoke movement and gesture. Fans of Corbijn will be thrilled by the news of a new exhibition of such works, curated by Simon de Pury, and available to view online and in person, by appointment only, at Corbijn’s own studio in The Hague.

1986 Leigh Bowery at Taboo, Feb 01 48MB — **Dave Swindells, Leigh Bowery** at Taboo, February 1986© **Dave Swindells**

Leigh Bowery: Tell Them I’ve Gone to Papua New Guinea at The Fitzrovia Chapel, London: January 7 – February 6, 2022
A forthcoming exhibition at the Fitzrovia Chapel will celebrate the life and work of iconic performance artist Leigh Bowery. The choice of venue is particularly poignant: it is the last remaining building of the Middlesex Hospital, where Bowery died from Aids on New Year’s Eve of 1994. The display will centre on Bowery’s many extraordinary costumes and creations, which were designed “to shock and thrill onlookers from the dance floor to gallery”. It will also include a short film featuring interviews with some of Bowery’s closest friends and collaborators, from Nicola Bateman and Sue Tilley to Boy George.

Weems, Harlem — **Carrie Mae Weems**, Harlem Street, 1976-77© **Carrie Mae Weems**, Courtesy of the artist and Jack Shainman Gallery, New York

Dawoud Bey & Carrie Mae Weems: In Dialogue at The Grand Rapids Art Museum, Michigan: January 29 – April 30, 2022
Acclaimed American image-makers Dawoud Bey and Carrie Mae Weems make work that is “grounded in specific African American events and realities while simultaneously speaking to a multitude of human conditions”, to quote the Grand Rapids Art Museum. The artists met in 1977 and soon became intellectual colleagues and companions. Now, a forthcoming exhibition at the Michigan museum will present their work together for the first time, spotlighting the pair’s individual trajectories and unique stylistic approaches, as well as their “shared consciousness and principles”.

John Stezaker, Blue Double Shadow XII, 2020© the artist, courtesy of The Approach

John Stezaker: Double Shadow at The Approach, London: January 13 – February 19, 2022
At The Approach in London, British collage artist John Stezaker will present a compelling new series of works titled Double Shadow that investigates ideas of duality. As is typical of Stezaker’s approach, found imagery is given shadowy new life in these latest offerings, which evoke what the gallery terms “feelings of surprise, paranoia, mystery, voyeurism and curiosity in a sliding, ungraspable narrative”, inspired as they are by Stezaker’s enduring love of film noir.

Black-and-Yellow-CAUTION_2021_Kahlil-Robert-Irving — **Robert Kahlil Irving**, Black and Yellow – CAUTION, 2021 Courtesy of the artist

Projects: Kahlil Robert Irving at The Museum of Modern Art, New York: Until May 1, 2022
Working across sculpture and collage, ascendant American artist Kahlil Robert Irving makes multi-layered assemblages of images and replicas of everyday objects that serve as politically charged examinations of contemporary life. In a special project for MoMA, Irving has created a must-see, site-specific installation on the museum’s first floor – a powerful and poetic display that “mines the Internet as a living archive of Black life, death, remembrance, celebration, and survival”.

fb-2-1536 — **Francis Bacon**, Study for Bullfight No. 1, 1969© The Estate of **Francis Bacon**. All rights reserved, DACS/Artimage 2020, Photo: Prudence Cuming Associates Ltd

Francis Bacon: Man and Beast, Royal Academy, London: January 29 – April 17, 2022
The legendary Irish-born painter Francis Bacon made work that responded to, and encapsulated, the horrors of war and the trauma it spawns. His expressionistic, wildly contorted figures are often “barely recognizable as either human or beast”, and were – as a forthcoming exhibition at London’s Royal Academy will reveal – stylistically indebted to Bacon’s lifelong fascination with animals. Spanning the artist’s 50-year career, the show will shed light on Bacon’s extensive study of the animal kingdom and its manifestation within his work.

Body Vessel Clay Black Women, Ceramics & Contemporary Art at Two Temple Place, London: January 29 – April 24, 2022
Be sure to catch the annual show at London’s Two Temple Place, this year dedicated to three generations of Black women artists working in clay. Titled Body Vessel Clay, the exhibition will explore 70 years of ceramic history, beginning with the renowned Nigerian potter Ladi Kwali, and her work with British Studio Pottery in the 1950s, and ending with a number of contemporary international artists (think: Phoebe Collings-James and Jade Montserrat) who are using clay in revolutionary new ways.

Film

AA_33604_01_001056_original_1-e1639072474753 — **Ailey**, 2022 (Film still)

This month’s best documentaries, meanwhile include Ailey, Jamila Wignot’s moving study of the life and work of visionary dancer and choreographer Alvin Ailey; Cow, British director Andrea Arnold’s engrossing and unflinching film about the life of dairy cows; and Radiograph of a Family, Firouzeh Khosrovani’s inventive portrait of an Iranian couple living through the 1979 Islamic revolution.

By & Large Culture Design Exhibitions Film Naomi Campbell Unique Perspectives

Here & Now

Dissenting from reality: Meet Mua Sabu Suzuki and Photographer Mika Kailes

Read time 4 minutes

Text by
Kaden Mason

Photography by
Mika Kailes

Posted
March 30, 2024

Photography by Mika Kailes.

Make-up is more than a beauty ritual; it’s a reclamation of identity, a rebellion against the predetermined, and a medium for expression.

In a world that is often preoccupied with conventional beauty standards, make-up has become more than just a tool for enhancing appearance—it has evolved into a form of rebellion, a medium for storytelling, and a catalyst for self-discovery. For 21-year-old make-up artist Sabu Suzuki, the transformative power of make-up transcends its surface-level appeal. Swedish-born and London-based, Suzuki’s artistry is bold, intentional, and disruptive, challenging societal norms and redefining what it means to be beautiful in an era of conformity.

Suzuki’s recent collaboration with photographer Mika Kailes is a testament to his unique approach to the craft. Together, they have created a series of striking images that capture the fluidity of identity and the interplay between light and texture. Each look tells a story that resonates on both a personal and universal level. For Sabu, make-up is not just about painting faces—it’s about bringing inner truths to life and celebrating individuality in its most unapologetic form.

But Sabu’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. From navigating a competitive industry to overcoming personal struggles, he has faced moments of doubt and uncertainty. Yet, through it all, he has remained steadfast in his belief that make-up is a powerful medium of expression. “Make-up,” he says, “is not about hiding who you are—it’s about revealing who you want to be.”

As we sit down for this conversation, Sabu reflects on his beginnings, inspirations, and the philosophies that drive his work. With a laugh as vibrant as his creations, he welcomes us into his world—a space where art meets identity, and where every brushstroke is an act of self-empowerment.

Photography by Mika Kailes.

Kaden: Can you recall the first time you did someone’s make-up? What was the experience like?

Sabu Suzuki: Oh, absolutely! It’s seared into my memory—partly because it was such a disaster but also because it was a pivotal moment for me. I remember using this drugstore foundation that was completely the wrong shade and piling it on like I was frosting a cake. The end result wasn’t pretty, but there was something magical about the process. It was the first time I felt the thrill of transforming someone’s appearance, even if I didn’t quite know what I was doing. I think those early attempts are crucial—they teach you to embrace imperfection and to keep experimenting until you find your voice. Looking back, I realize that the heart of what I do now was already there in those clumsy moments: the desire to tell a story and create something meaningful.

Kaden: Why do you believe make-up is important in today’s world? It feels like people have very polarized opinions about it.

Sabu Suzuki: That’s such a loaded question, but I love it because it gets to the heart of why I do what I do. Make-up is important because it’s one of the few art forms that’s accessible to almost everyone. You don’t need a gallery or a platform to make an impact—you just need a face and some imagination. At the same time, it’s also a deeply personal thing. For some, it’s a way to express joy or creativity; for others, it’s a shield or a source of confidence. What’s fascinating to me is how polarizing it can be. Some people see it as empowering, while others see it as superficial. I think both perspectives miss the point. Make-up isn’t about vanity or conformity—it’s about choice. It’s about taking control of how you present yourself to the world, and in that sense, it’s incredibly powerful.

Photography by Mika Kailes.

Kaden: When did you know that make-up was going to be more than just a hobby for you?

Sabu Suzuki: That realization hit me like a ton of bricks during one of the hardest periods of my life. I was going through a lot emotionally and felt completely disconnected from myself. One day, almost on a whim, I started playing with make-up. It wasn’t for a job or a look—I was just painting my face to see if I could create something that felt alive. That process became my therapy. It helped me reconnect with parts of myself that I thought were lost. Over time, I started to see make-up not just as a coping mechanism but as a calling. It became clear to me that this was what I was meant to do—not just for myself but for others, too.

Kaden: How do you view make-up as an art form? A lot of people still see it as something trivial or surface-level.

Sabu Suzuki: I completely disagree with that mindset. Make-up is one of the most dynamic art forms because it’s alive. Think about it: you’re working on a canvas that breathes, emotes, and changes with every passing moment. That’s what makes it so exciting—and also so challenging. You’re not just creating something to look at; you’re creating something that interacts with the world. For me, make-up is about transformation, not just in a physical sense but on an emotional and spiritual level, too. It’s about taking what’s inside and bringing it to the surface in a way that feels authentic and powerful.

“Make-up isn’t just an accessory—it’s a declaration of freedom. It’s the power to rewrite your story and embrace the beauty of becoming.” — Sabu Suzuki

Photography by Mika Kailes.

Kaden: Your work feels deeply personal. How do you navigate creating something that resonates with your own story but also connects with others?

Sabu Suzuki: That’s a balance I’m always trying to strike. My work is undeniably rooted in my personal experiences—my struggles, my identity, and even my joys. But what I’ve learned is that the more specific you get, the more universal it becomes. People see their own stories in your honesty. When I create a look, I’m not just thinking about what it means to me; I’m thinking about how someone else might interpret it. It’s like planting a seed and letting others grow their own meaning from it. That’s the beauty of art—it becomes a shared experience.

Kaden: Have you ever felt pressure to conform to certain beauty trends or standards, especially in the industry?

Sabu Suzuki: Oh, absolutely. The beauty industry is full of unspoken rules and trends that you’re “supposed” to follow. But honestly, I’ve never been interested in playing by those rules. Early in my career, I felt that pressure to create looks that were “trendy” or “marketable,” but it didn’t feel authentic to me. I realized I’d rather be known for doing something unique—even if it’s polarizing—than for creating work that looks like everyone else’s. The way I see it, trends come and go, but authenticity lasts forever.

Photography by Mika Kailes.

Kaden: What inspires you when you’re working on a new look or concept? Do you draw from specific sources?

Sabu Suzuki: Inspiration is everywhere if you’re open to it. I get ideas from the most random things—like the way light hits a cracked mirror or the texture of peeling paint on a wall. Music plays a huge role, too. Sometimes a single song can inspire an entire look. And of course, people inspire me—how they move, how they express themselves, how they carry their stories in their faces. I think the most exciting part of being an artist is that you never run out of things to be inspired by. The world is a giant mood board if you pay attention.

Kaden: What advice would you give to someone who’s just starting out as a make-up artist but feels overwhelmed by the competition?

Sabu Suzuki: First of all, it’s okay to feel overwhelmed—that’s normal. But don’t let it paralyze you. The best advice I can give is to focus on finding your own voice. It’s tempting to look at what others are doing and try to emulate that, but the only way to stand out is to be true to yourself. Experiment, make mistakes, and don’t be afraid to create something that feels “wrong” by industry standards. Some of the most groundbreaking work comes from people who dared to do things differently. And remember, your journey is yours alone—don’t compare your chapter one to someone else’s chapter ten.

Photography by Mika Kailes.

As our conversation winds down, it’s clear that Sabu Suzuki is not just a make-up artist—he’s a visionary. His work challenges conventional ideas about beauty, art, and identity, inviting us to see make-up as a tool for empowerment and self-expression. Through his bold creations, he encourages us to embrace imperfection and celebrate individuality.

Sabu’s journey is a reminder that art can emerge from the most unexpected places. Whether it’s inspired by a moment of personal struggle or the mundane patterns of everyday life, his work proves that beauty is everywhere if you’re willing to look for it. His collaboration with Mika Kailes is a shining example of how make-up can transcend its traditional boundaries, becoming a medium for storytelling and connection.

But perhaps the most profound takeaway from Sabu’s story is his unwavering belief in the power of choice. “Make-up,” he says, “is not about conforming to someone else’s standards. It’s about creating your own rules and living by them. It’s about taking control of your narrative and saying, ‘This is who I am.’”