retrospective
An exhibition or compilation showing the development of an artist's work over a period of time (noun); looking back on or dealing with past events (adjective).
In an art context, it refers to a massive, career-spanning exhibition that shows how an artist's style evolved from their youth to their maturity.
Word relationships
- survey: A survey exhibition covers a broad range of art or a period, whereas a retrospective focuses deeply on the lifetime work of a single artist.
- prospective: Prospective refers to looking forward into the future, whereas retrospective refers to looking back at the past.
Commonly confused with
- review: A review is a critical evaluation of a single work or show, while a retrospective is a massive exhibition of an entire career.
Word family
- retrospectively (adverb): With consideration of past events or situations.
- retrospect (noun): A survey or review of a past course of events.
Collocations
- career retrospective
- retrospective exhibition
- retrospective look
- host a retrospective
Example sentences
- "The museum is planning a major retrospective of the sculptor's fifty-year career." A career-spanning art show
Memory hook
A retrospective is like a 'retro' show where we 'spectate' (look at) the artist's entire past. Looking back at a career.
When not to use
Do not use for an exhibition featuring only an artist's newest, current works.
Fun facts
- The first major retrospective exhibitions began in the late 19th century in Paris, celebrating artists like Jean-François Millet and Édouard Manet shortly after their deaths.
Related words
Explore more words
retrospect, hindsight, introspective, reminiscence, contemplative, curate
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