Titian reinterpreted in a modern way

Several contemporary artists including choreographers, composers and poets dialogue with three of the Italian master's paintings at the National Gallery

London, 07/13/12

It is a small innovation in the art world. Several contemporary artists including choreographers, composers and poets explore three works by Titian, inspired by Ovid's poem Metamorphoses. The three paintings Diana and Actaeon, The Death of Actaeon and Diana and Callisto are now exhibited in the rooms of the museum, next to other contemporary works. These new works can be seen both in the National Gallery and on the stage of the Royal House, played by the Royal Ballet.

British contemporary artists Chris Ofili, Conrad Shawcross, and Mark Wallinger  design sets and costumes for three new ballets at the Royal Opera House. In this occassion, they have also designed a special set inspired by Titian's paintings. The purpose of this adventure is to show the artistic process as well as the development of an independent work. Every author show their preparatory studies and new pieces created for the occasion. The ballet is composed by over 100 dancers.

In addition, the National Gallery has commissioned a group of well-know poets to write verses inspired by Ovid's texts and Titian's mythological paintings. The Italian author's works represent the fatal consequences when a human is get involved in gods' affairs. 

Metamorphosis: Titian 2012 will be on view until September 23.

  • Tiziano. Diana y Acteón. 1556-1559. Bought jointly by the National Gallery and National Galleries of Scotland with contributions from the Scottish Government, the National Heritage Memorial Fund, The Monument Trust, The Art Fund (with a contribution from the Wolfson Foundation) and through public appeal, 2009. Photo © The National Galery, London.

  • Photograph by Chris Nash. Image concept: Dewynters in collabotation with the National Gallery. Design: The National Gallery.

  • Chris Ofili. Ovid, Destiny. 2011-2012. Oil and charcoal on linen. 310 x 200 x 4 cm. Courtesy the Artist and Victoria Miro Gallery, London. © Chris Ofili Courtesy the Artist and Victoria Miro Gallery, London. Photography © Stephen White.

Tiziano. Diana y Acteón. 1556-1559. Bought jointly by the National Gallery and National Galleries of Scotland with contributions from the Scottish Government, the National Heritage Memorial Fund, The Monument Trust, The Art Fund (with a contribution from the Wolfson Foundation) and through public appeal, 2009. Photo © The National Galery, London.