Explore 100 years of travels to the East
Istanbul has always been the first stop for many a westerner interested in the East. This exhibition, taken from the incredible Ottoman-era collection of Pierre de Gigord, looks at the changing nature of travellers from the middle of the 19th century until after the Second World War. It begins with the geographers, linguists and archaeologists who first went eastward on expeditions and were mainly research orientated and goes on to examine those who went purely to travel and absorb other cultures. Journey to the Centre of the East, 1850 to 1950 runs at the Istanbul Research Institute until October 17. For more information visit www.en.iae.org.tr.
Edgar Degas, an Impressionist or not?
The French painter Edgar Degas has become known as one of the founders of impressionism. However, he rejected the term and wished to be known as a realist. Degas also had a troubled relationship with the other members of the movement, and criticised their practice painting "en plein air" or outdoors. Instead he preferred capturing scenes of movement, such as dancers. This exhibition in France brings together 80 works, from painting to sculpture, and reexamines his relationship with Impressionism. Degas, An Impressionist Painter? runs at the Musée des Impressionnismes Giverny until July 19. For more information visit www.mdig.fr.
How artists interpret moments of upheaval
In turbulent times, it is often to artists that we turn to make sense of it all. Timely then is an exhibition in London which examines the emotional power of history, from Ancient Rome to recent political upheavals, through artworks. From the large-scale 18th-century paintings by John Singleton Copley and Benjamin West to Richard Hamilton's work examining the violence in Northern Ireland, it explores how moments have been captured and interpreted by artists. The collection on display ranges from protest scenes to heroic acts to the plight of individuals caught up in events beyond their control. Fighting History runs at the Tate Britain from Tuesday until September 13. For more information visit www.tate.org.uk.
