Sigmar Polke, Untitled (Quetta, Pakistan), 1974–1978

After a succession of summer parties and getaways to warm and secluded haunts, the art world is back with a bang with the latest in culturally enriching exhibits. Given the global energy being enjoyed by contemporary art recently, it is unsurprising that many of this autumn's most anticipated shows take a look at some of the key influences on current art practice.

It seems inconceivable that Robert Gober, one of the most enigmatic figures in contemporary art, has never before now had a retrospective in an American museum. His survey at the MoMA in New York features 130 pieces which celebrate the artist's remarkable body of work, from sculptures of body parts — a cast wax leg or torso with individually applied hairs on them — to his signature sinks fashioned from plaster and painted with enamel, a la Marcel Duchamp. Robert Gober: The Heart Is Not a Metaphor, is one not to miss and runs until 18 January, 2015.

Paris also sees its fair share of high-profile retrospectives this autumn, with not one but two must-see shows at the Centre Pompidou in the Marais. The first is a survey of works by Marcel Duchamp, the father of conceptual art who needs no introduction. The show La Peinture Même which runs until 5 January, 2015 provides an interesting insight, not into his ready-mades as one would expect, but rather to his lesser known canvases. Travelling from the Whitney in New York, the Jeff Koons retrospective opens on 26 November, 2014 and looks back on the 35-year career of one of the most controversial American artists living and working today. He also happens to hold the record for the most expensive work by a living artist sold at auction. His 'Balloon Dog' sold at Christie's last year for a whopping $58.4 million. 

Often a stop-off on the culture trail, London is no stranger to blockbuster shows. This autumn will see a major exhibition at the Tate Modern of postwar German artist Sigmar Polke. His body of works is so vast and influential, it is thought that entire artistic careers could be made from small aspects of his multifarious art. Alibis: Sigmar Polke 1963–2010 runs until 8 February, 2015. Charles Saatchi's gallery in Sloane Square opens one of its most ambitious shows to date which celebrates the legacy of Pop Art not just in the UK and USA but also in China and the Former Soviet Union. This is the first in a series of international Pop shows which are creeping up around the globe over the next 12 months. If you miss Koons at the Pompidou or Gober at the MoMA, the Saatchi Gallery's show Post Pop: East Meets West features both artists amongst other top names and runs till 23 February, 2015. 

Bianca Gidwani

Bianca Gidwani is the Head of Development at the Saatchi Gallery in London where she leads the organisation of temporary exhibitions. During her time at the Gallery, she has organised several shows, including collaborations with leading brands CHANEL, Google, Hermès and HUGO BOSS amongst others. She has also organised a selection of exhibitions showcasing art from Korea, Hong Kong, Russia and Ukraine with a focus on the regions' burgeoning contemporary art scenes. In addition to exhibitions, she co-curates the Gallery's programme of talks and events.