Joshua Reynolds's Portrait of Mai to hit the road on UK tour

The National Portrait Gallery and the J. Paul Getty Museum joint acquisition of Joshua Reynolds's Portrait of Mai in 2023 marks an important cultural collaboration. The artwork depicts Mai, a Tahitian man who traveled with Captain Cook. Following its display at the NPG until April 2024, the portrait will tour key UK cities, featuring programs on travel, colonialism, and representation. The initiative, known as Journeys with Mai, supports community engagement and artists, aided by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, and aims for ongoing international presentation, including a future display at the Getty during the 2028 Olympics.

The joint acquisition of Joshua Reynolds's Portrait of Mai aims to reflect a new model of international collaboration, emphasizing cross-cultural partnerships and engagement.

The portrait will embark on a UK tour to Bradford, Cambridge, and Plymouth, with each venue hosting engagement programs featuring contemporary artists and community involvement.

Read at The Art Newspaper - International art news and events