Raqib Shaw at Glyndebourne 2016

Glyndebourne is partnering for the second time with White Cube to bring a temporary gallery space to the annual festival.

In the second year of White Cube at Glyndebourne, the London-based, Kashmiri born artist Raqib Shaw has created three new paintings based on two of the operas at the 2016 Festival – Wagner’s Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg and Britten’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

A passionate fan of opera, Shaw is known for his opulent paintings which suggest a fantastical world full of intricate detail, rich colour, and jewel-like surfaces.

“Glyndebourne has always had a special place in my heart since I first visited as a student,” he said. “This summer I’m delighted to present a suite of paintings inspired by this picturesque setting and the current programme of wonderful operas and spectacular sets, which I have always loved.”

Andrea Schlieker, Director of Commissions and External Projects, White Cube and curator of White Cube at Glyndebourne, added: “Raqib Shaw’s work is the perfect fit for Glyndebourne. Taking his cue from productions in this year’s Festival, the three new paintings will fuse the opera narratives with the special Glyndebourne setting, all delivered in Raqib Shaw’s characteristic magical and magnificent style.”

The exhibition will be housed in a temporary gallery designed by London-based architects Carmody Groarke and shortlisted for the Architects’ Journal 2016 Small Projects Award.

The exhibition is open to ticket holders during the Festival.