From Manhattan to Riyadh and Cape Town to Jeddah, Global Art Exhibitions Spring 2025 capture the energy of a new season through bold curatorial vision, cultural commentary, and immersive experiences. This week, we spotlight five exhibitions and creative launches that blend storytelling with visual power.
Amy Sherald Brings American Sublime to the Whitney
New York, USA | whitney.org
This spring, the Whitney Museum celebrates 10 years in the Meatpacking District with Amy Sherald: American Sublime (April 9–August 10). The exhibition features nearly 50 paintings, including portraits of Michelle Obama and Breonna Taylor. It explores Black identity and the quiet beauty of everyday life.
This is Sherald’s first solo show at a New York museum. Rarely seen early works join new commissions to form a cohesive narrative. Timed with the museum’s Decade Downtown programming, the show is free to the public on Friday Nights and Second Sundays.
The Whitney also presents Christine Sun Kim: All Day All Night and Shifting Landscapes, a group show with 120+ works on ecology and borders. Visitors can enjoy skyline views, grab a bite at Frenchette Bakery or Studio Bar, and browse the Whitney Shop for artist-designed gifts.
Visitors can enjoy views from the terraces, dining at Frenchette Bakery or Studio Bar, and shop curated design at the Whitney Shop. The museum’s architecture and neighborhood programming offer a full cultural experience in the heart of NYC.
Art Week Riyadh Makes Global Debut in Saudi Arabia
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | artweekriyadh.com
The inaugural Art Week Riyadh (March 25–31) presents a vibrant platform for local and international artists across six themed programs. Organized by the Visual Arts Commission, this edition is curated around the concept of “Time: Past, Present, Future” and features exhibitions in contemporary, digital, design, and public art.
Time: Past unfolds at the historic Prince Faisal Bin Fahd Arts Hall, while Time: Present invites viewers to the JAX District for a contemporary showcase by curators Nadine El Khoury and Marwah AlMugait. The Digital Pavilion, Design Week, and the first-ever Riyadh Art Book Fair round out the offerings.
Participating artists include Ahmed Mater, Sarah Brahim, Shaikha AlMazrou, and Daniel Arsham. With satellite venues and immersive installations, the fair signals Riyadh’s growing status in the global arts conversation.
Ahmed Mater’s ANTENNA Opens at Lakum Artspace
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia | lakumartspace.com
Coinciding with Art Week Riyadh, celebrated Saudi artist Ahmed Mater opens his solo exhibition ANTENNA at Lakum Artspace (March 28–May 31). Known for documenting Saudi Arabia’s socio-political evolution, Mater presents new works that reflect on digitization, data, and the silent transmission of information.
“ANTENNA” draws from Mater’s background in medicine and visual research, using photography, sculpture, and video. His practice often parallels historical memory with present-day transformation. The exhibition examines how mass communication shapes identity in the Gulf region, making it one of the season’s most thought-provoking shows.
Lakum Artspace continues to champion contemporary voices from the region, fostering cross-cultural dialogue and new media exploration. More information at Lakum Artspace’s official website.
Hlumelo Nyaluza Redefines Luxury from South Africa
Cape Town, South Africa | hlumelonyaluza.com
Designer Hlumelo Nyaluza debuts his first global handbag collection this spring, blending Xhosa heritage, fine art, and luxury craftsmanship. Each bag—from the Trunk to the floating-handled Premium Box—features original artwork, custom structure, and ethically sourced materials.
Nyaluza, who calls the line Africa’s answer to Hermès, channels his Xhosa roots into a cultural monogram and sustainable business model. His commitment to empowering artisans and eradicating poverty is central to his Human Navigation philosophy.
Each piece is available by pre-order, supporting a zero-waste production model. From concept to execution, Nyaluza reimagines African design for the international market. A new voice in wearable art, his collection is as meaningful as it is masterful.
Infinite Images at Toledo Museum of Art Explores Generative Art
Toledo, Ohio, USA | toledomuseum.org
The Toledo Museum of Art (TMA) presents Infinite Images: The Art of Algorithms (July 12–November 30), curated by digital art expert Julia Kaganskiy. The show explores the evolution of generative art—from 13th-century Islamic tilework to modern algorithmic systems.
Featuring 24 artists, including Vera Molnar, Sofia Crespo, and Tyler Hobbs, the exhibition reveals how rule-based processes create works both structured and spontaneous. Large-scale installations by Sarah Meyohas and Sam Spratt add depth and drama.
This is one of the first major generative art surveys at a historic U.S. museum. TMA also welcomes Emily Xie and Daniel Hernandez as 2025 Digital Artists in Residence. Their collaborative project will debut in September.
TMA, recently named 2025 Best Art Museum by USA TODAY, remains free and open to the public.
A Season of Global Stories
Global Art Exhibitions Spring 2025 reflect how artists are shaping today’s world through innovation, identity, and storytelling. Whether on view in museums or public installations, each show invites deeper exploration.
From Amy Sherald’s portraits in New York to algorithmic beauty in Ohio and digital futures in Riyadh, this spring’s exhibitions challenge, inspire, and connect us across continents. Plan your visit or follow along virtually—this season promises unforgettable encounters with contemporary art.
