🗓 Apr 17–Jun 20, 2026
🎟️ FREE
✨ Leon Kossoff’s exhibition at Luhring Augustine Chelsea in New York brings together paintings from across his career, presenting one of the most substantial showings of his work in New York in recent decades. Working primarily from life, Kossoff repeatedly painted the same subjects — North and East London streets, rail stations, family members, and close sitters — building up densely layered surfaces through sustained observation and physical engagement with paint.
Leon Kossoff’s unique approach to painting, characterized by repeated study of the same sitters and locations, highlights the depth of his connection to his subjects and environment. This sustained observation and physical engagement with the canvas resulted in richly textured paintings that reflect not only external appearances but also the passage of time and emotional complexity. Visiting this exhibition is like stepping into Kossoff’s world, where everyday streets and familiar faces take on profound significance through his art. His dedication to working almost entirely from life, rather than photographs, adds an authenticity that resonates deeply. The tactile surfaces and layered paint invite viewers to appreciate the artist’s process as much as the final image. From my personal experience attending similar retrospectives, I have found that works like Kossoff’s foster a more intimate dialogue between the observer and the subject. The exhibition at Luhring Augustine Gallery also offers a rare chance to observe how an artist’s method evolves over decades while maintaining a consistent thematic core. Such exhibitions enrich understanding of urban life’s visual poetry and the artistic commitment involved in capturing it. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with one of London’s most significant painters through his compelling visual narratives.
















































































































