5 reasons art-lovers are obsessed with Konrad Mägi right now

The rare exhibition at Dulwich Picture Gallery until July 12 is a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it chance to see why everyone is raving about this remarkable talent. “One of the best exhibitions I have ever seen,” said one visitor, while another claimed: “Had never heard of him – now a super fan!” The true pioneer of modern art created pieces that feel contemporary, uplifting and moving, and although they combine influences from expressionism, symbolism, fauvism and post-impressionism, his works couldn’t be more personal or unique. From bold landscapes to striking portraits, you’ll lose yourself in over 60 works brought together for the very first time.

We’re calling it: Mägi belongs in serious conversations alongside masters like Edvard Münch, Wassily Kandinsky and Claude Monet because he created similarly distinctive artworks – namely, charging landscapes and portraits with colour, emotion and symbolism. Like Monet, Mägi is devoted to colour; much like Kandinsky, he uses a modernist simplification of form; and like Münch, his works are emotionally intense, to say the least. Now you can explain why Mägi is up there with the best of ‘em. 

The exhibition is so good, you’ll want to spread the word far and wide, particularly as it closes soon on June 12. As Mägi is so little-known in the UK, experiencing the show and seeing the artworks for yourself is the ultimate humble brag, especially in art circles. Tickets are from £18, but being able to personally recommend it to cultured friends is positively priceless.

As well as immersing yourself in the artist’s colourful works, you’ll also get a chance to see an installation by contemporary Estonian artist Kristina Õllek as part of the exhibition. Presented in the context of Mägi’s paintings, the installation draws on her long-term research into Baltic Sea ecology. Using sea salt, cyanobacteria and limestone, she reflects on the Baltic Sea’s current state and its dead zones, while also evoking the deep time of ancient marine life in the coastal landscape of Estonia. Two for the price of one, if you will.

You’re already at Dulwich Picture Gallery, so you might as well see other artworks while you’re here, right? As well as temporary exhibitions, the Gallery plays host to a world-class Collection of historic paintings featuring heavy-hitters like Rembrandt, Poussin, Rubens and more. Kids in tow? They’ll love the ArtPlay Pavilion housed in the Sculpture Garden. The immersive space is designed to invite little ones to explore the elements, from water to wind and earth, through sensory activities. Created by HoLD Art Collective, the space transforms paintings from the Gallery's Collection into interactive fun. 

Book your tickets.