Nasty Top 10 2024 / A Must-See List of Art Moments

A Must-See List of Art Moments of the year.

Nasty Magazine presents the ultimate selection of the most uncompromising and confrontational exhibitions of 2024, carefully curated by our art editor, Maria Abramenko. This list doesn’t cater to mainstream tastes or play by conventional rules. These exhibitions explore the raw edges of contemporary art, digging into the chaos of culture, technology, and the human condition. From sculptures that unsettle to performances that force you to confront the uncomfortable, these shows reveal art in its most daring and unfiltered form. Each one challenges the status quo, forcing viewers to rethink what art can do and what it can say. If you want easy answers or feel-good experiences, this isn’t for you. What follows is a collection of exhibitions that matter, that spark real conversation, and that leave a lasting impression. These are the shows you need to know about in 2024.

1. “Among the Petals” Installation by Ben Frost at The Momentary Museum

From January 10 to March 30, 2024, The Momentary Museum in Bentonville, Arkansas, hosted Ben Frost’s “Among the Petals,” a vertical sound sculpture resembling a twisted DNA helix or vertebrae. The installation used PA speakers and a PA sound system to create an emergent form driven by sound, challenging viewers’ perceptions of life and the role of sound in shaping space. Frost’s use of these specific audio tools transformed everyday technology into a living, animated entity, emphasising the power of sound to animate and alter environments.

2. Mike Kelley: ‘Ghost and Spirit’ at Tate Modern

Tate Modern in London presented Mike Kelley’s Ghost and Spirit from October 3, 2014, to March 9, 2015. Through sculptures made from fabric and plush toys, as well as multimedia installations, Kelley examined the roles people occupy in society, historical events, and fictional characters from mass culture. His work explored the relationships between reality, imagination, and identity, often using unsettling yet familiar materials. Additionally, the exhibition featured Kelley’s iconic album cover for Sonic Youth, showcasing his unique blend of music references and provocative imagery, offering visitors a further glimpse into Kelley’s interdisciplinary approach to art.

3 Fondazione Prada Presents “Monte di Pietà” by Christoph Büchel in Venice

From March 1 to June 15, 2024, Fondazione Prada in Venice presented Christoph Büchel’s Monte di Pietà. Transforming the Ca’ Corner della Regina into a fictional pawnshop, Büchel’s work explored the themes of debt, power, and wealth. The exhibition questioned the financial systems that shape society and provided a reflection on history, ownership, and credit.

4. Matthew Barney: ‘Secondary’ at Sadie Coles HQ

Matthew Barney’s SECONDARY: Light Lens Parallax was on view at Sadie Coles HQ in London from April 12 to June 30, 2024. The exhibition examined the connection between physical movement and artistic gesture through sculptures crafted from ceramics, plastic, and resin. The works explored the human body’s fragility and resilience, reflecting on themes of transformation and cultural tensions in America.

5. Harmony Korine: ‘Aggressive Dr1fter Part II’ at Hauser & Wirth

From May 10 to July 25, 2024, Hauser & Wirth in London presented Harmony Korine’s Aggressive Dr1fter Part II. Inspired by his film Aggro Dr1ft, this exhibition of vivid, surreal paintings explored the tension between popular culture and fine art. Korine’s work presented a distorted reality that combined elements of dystopia and alienation with a dreamlike aesthetic.

6. Private Access at Tick Tack: 13.12.2024—18.01.2025

PRIVATE ACCESS, running from December 13, 2024, to January 18, 2025, at Tick Tack, delves into themes of exclusivity and openness. By withholding what is usually accessible, the exhibition rethinks how public engagement is structured, offering a new way of considering visibility, privilege, and transparency within the context of art.

7. Martin Eder at Mandrake Hotel

The Mandrake Hotel in London hosted Martin Eder from December 24, 2023, until his residency recently ended. During this time, Eder transformed the hotel, infusing it with the dark essence of his vampire nature. Drawing inspiration from baroque interiors and the haunting character of Lucy from Bram Stoker’s Dracula, Eder worked live to create a new piece that mirrored his influence over the space. Visitors were invited to witness the artist’s creative process, offering them a rare glimpse into his world of shadow and elegance. As Martin Eder took control of the hotel, the environment itself seemed to shift, becoming a reflection of his dark vision. The once familiar surroundings took on a chilling atmosphere, amplifying the somber beauty of his work and blurring the line between art and possession.

8. Ivana Basic: “Metempsychosis: The Passion of Pneumatics” at Schinkel Pavilion

Ivana Basic’s Metempsychosis: The Passion of Pneumatics was exhibited at the Schinkel Pavilion in Berlin from June 5 to September 30, 2024. The exhibition explored themes of bodily transformation and material dissolution, uniting sculptures, drawings, and video works. Each piece in the collection reflected a concept of change and fluidity, both in form and spirit.

9. WangShui and Alberto Bustamante: ‘La Culebra’ at La Biennale

Co-produced by @tonofestival and @labiennale, La Culebra was featured at the 60th International Art Exhibition Finissage from November 15 to 24, 2024. The installation and performance explored the serpent as a symbol of knowledge, violence, and love. Supported by Kuboraum, the performance blended Mexican indigenous musical traditions with orchestral choirs and contemporary club sounds, weaving together a powerful narrative about time, space, and mythology.

10. Noor Riyadh – World’s Largest Light Art Festival

Noor Riyadh, held annually in Saudi Arabia, took place from February 1 to 15, 2024. The festival fill Riyadh with light art installations by local and international artists, transforming public spaces into showcases for visual experimentation. Among the artists featured, as shown in the images below, are Edoardo Dionea Cicconi, Ryoji Ikeda, and United Visual Artists (UVA), who were selected by the magazine’s curator. Through light and color, the festival will explore the intersections of technology, art, and innovation.

Nasty Top 10 2024 / A Must-See List of Art Moments

Credits:

Editor: Maria Abramenko / @mariabramenko
Assistant: Annalisa Fabbrucci / @annalisa_fabbrucci

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