GLOBE arts critic Peter Grant enjoys three new very different exhibitions at the Tate featuring Seascapes, Egypt and Ghosts.

THERE's a wide range of diverse work on display as part of the Tate's Autumn and Winter exhibition - some being shown for the first time in the UK.

In the Fourth Gallery John Piper (1903-1992) explores the work of this formidable, multi-layered British artist, travel writer and photographer.

A vivid collection of 40 of his works, curated by Darren Pih, covering Piper's wide-ranging interests, inspirations and lasting legacy.

They include paintings and collages from the artist who died in 1992 - and offers a new perspective on his powerfully sensitive depictions of his native land and cityscapes.

It shows his relationship with major international artists while revealing his pivotal influence on modern art in Britain from the 1930s onwards.

His love of creating beautiful stained glass is shown in the centrepiece commission for Liverpool's Metropolitan Cathdedral of Christ the King which is seen by millions of visitors in its 50th anniversary year.

He was instrumental in creating stained-glass beauty in the re -built Coventry Cathedral.

Piper also had a deep understanding of and sensitivity to early art forms including medieval stained glass windows and Anglo Saxon stone carving.

This is where the Tate breaks new ground displaying examples of these works including archaeological carving and bringing them into dialogue with European modernism in his way showing how these were connected and innovated in his work.

Piper, who collaborated with John Betjeman and Benjamin Britten, certainly called the tune when establishing the multi-facets of British cultural life.

There is also a real internationally flavoured coup with the first comprehensive exhibition about the movement called Surrealism in Egypt 'Art et Libertes.' 

It focuses on a radical collective of artists and writers based in Cairo.

This will be particularly appealing to students of surrealism who want to discover more about the the lesser-known contribution from Egyptian artists.

A fascinating huge 'art' map perfectly illustrates the impact Cairo had on art.

The exhibition highlights a ten-year period and traces the history of the group through 100 paintings, photographs, drawings, archival documents and film – most of which has never been seen before.

And in the Wolfson Gallery, there is the curiously titled We Are Ghosts - another first.

It is a solo exhibition by Americans Mary Reid Kelley and Patrick Kelley.

They are known for their stylised back and white videos and lightboxes.

Here is a new commission for the gallery with a video in high definition: In the Body of The Sturgeon.

Also on display is their 2016 work This is Offal.

A visual – vibrant treat.

These are three exhibitions that speak volumes.

*John Piper:  Until March 18. Tickets £10/£8 includes entrance into Surrealism in Egypt - Art and Liberty (1938-1948).

We are Ghosts: FREE

Details from www.Tate.org.uk