The Best Art Exhibitions in London

       

Looking to soak up some culture in the capital? The search ends here; read our roundup of the best art exhibitions in London. So whether it’s contemporary classics, abstract showcases or breathtaking photography that you crave, you’ll find it here. Starts from the exhibition ending soonest to the exhibition ending latest.

The Best Art Exhibitions in London

United Artists For Europe

Galerie Thaddaeus Ropac

This exhibition brings together the work of 28 high profile artists including Grayson Perry, Marina Abramovich, Sylvie Fleury and Marc Quinn to name a few. It’s part of a cultural project spearheaded by the French philosopher Bernard Henri-Levy, who has constantly implored for the EU to be kept whole, as one. The project has since been developed by Sophie Wiesenfeld at Hexagon Society, a company whose purpose is to keep the communication in art and culture alive between London and Paris. Coinciding with the European elections, this exhibition will be emotive and as culturally relevant as an exhibition can get. 21-23 May

Pick ‘n’ Mix – Wendy Saunders, Lee Johnson and Scarlett Bowman

Christie’s Education London

For art and interior design lovers. This group exhibition, curated by Projects on Walls in association with Christie’s Education London, features work by artists Scarlett Bowman, Wendy Saunders and Lee Johnson. Projects on Walls was founded by Scarlett Bowman Colicci, one of the artists being showcased. It’s an advisory platform for fine art curation and sourcing for both residential and commercial properties. So if you’re thinking of getting some new art for your home or office, stop by the exhibition and take your pick (‘n’ mix). Exhibition is free, register at eventbrite.com

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Deep Meditations

ME London

Digital artist Memo Akten’s work will be on show at ME London, open to the hotel’s guests and the public, as part of a collaboration between ME by Melia, a luxury lifestyle brand, and Sonar+D, the international innovation event dedicated to promoting and showcasing technology, creativity and business. Deep Meditations consists of a video and sound instillation taking viewers on a journey of observation of the world, and of themselves. The exhibtion can be found within the ME London hotel, in the Atrium space. Until 31 May. melondonhotel.com

Faceless by Coco Dávez

Maddox Gallery

Artist Coco Dávez will come to London this May for her first UK solo exhibition. Easily identifiable and intensly striking, Davez’ work speaks for itself, and it’s no wonder she is known as one the most influential artists worth investing in right now. Using experimental colours and shapes, Davez pays homage to the artists who inspired her, and her work features faceless portraits of famous figures such as David Bowie, Yayoi Kusama and Grace Jones. 10 – 31 May, book here. Read our interview with Coco here!

Jacqueline Rufus Isaacs: Recent Works

Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler Showroom, Pimlico Road

Head to interior designer Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler‘s showroom on the Pimlico Road during the Chelsea Flower Show to view this exhibition of Jacqueline Rufus Isaacs’ recent paintings. Ethereal and summerlike, the exhibition is a perfect way to mark the start of the spring summer season. 17 – 31 May

Chris Levine

Fortnum & Mason’s 3’6 Bar

A selection of world renowned artist Chris Levine’s portraits will be on show at Fortnum & Mason’s 3’6 Bar this month, featuring striking portraits of Kate Moss, Paul Smith and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Until 6 June

Urban Scene

JD Malat Gallery

Politically charged and powerful, Li Tianbing’s new exhibition in Mayfair is a must-see. The striking pictures use colours and shapes to tell the story of the humanitarian “living crisis” in the East and West of the world today. Another theme of the exhibition is a dive into Tianbing’s own childhood and his experience of growing up in China with its one child policy. Thought provoking and meaningful stuff. Until 15 June

The Great Supper

NOW Gallery

This exhibition, hosted at NOW Gallery, will showcase the work of award-winning visual artist Sara Shakeel. Sara is NOW Gallery’s next Young Artist Commission and its first-ever international collaboration. The Great Supper is Sara’s first solo exhibition in the UK. The immersive exhibition takes a look at ‘the family table’ and the significance of it whilst connoting themes of materialism. 15 May – 23 June. nowgallery.co.uk

Sea Nomads

Horniman Museum and Gardens

Photography exhibition ‘Sea Nomads’ opens this month in Forest Hill’s Horniman Museum and Gardens. In the exhibition, the public will be introduced to The Bajau Laut, part of the Malay origin, who are some of the last true marine nomads, by photographer James Morgan. A unique and intimate look into the lives of those we might never have known about otherwise… Until 23 June. horniman.ac.uk

Tender Touches

AMP Gallery Peckham

Food and art are combined in Tender Touches, a delicious cross between a cafe and an art exhibition where everything in sight, from the furniture to the tableware, is both a peice of art and a functional object. Open Space will take over AMP Gallery and turn it into an immersive gallery-cafe-studio-dining room where visitors are invited to come in and take part in various talks and events ongoing throughout the duration of the exhibition. Find the full programme of events here. 17 May – 30 June

The Journey – Chris ‘DAZE’ Ellis

15 Bateman Street

The famous New York street artist comes to London this year for his very first solo exhibition in the UK. Hosted at 15 Bateman Street in partnership with Woodbury House, this pop-up May exhibition will showcase Ellis’ work, a selection of iconic peices that have been in the past featured next to works by Basquiat and Keith Haring. Expect a mix of iconic pieces from the 1980’s when the street art movement began as well as never-before-seen pieces. 10 – 11 May, then on show at Unit 1-2, 10/11 Archer Street until July, woodburyhouseart.com

Magic Realism: Art in Weimar Germany 191-33

Tate Modern explores the art of the Weimar Republic (1919-33) in a year-long, free display, drawing upon the rich holdings of The George Economou Collection. This presentation of around seventy paintings and works on paper addresses the complex paradoxes of the Weimar era, in which liberalisation and anti-militarism flourished in tandem with political and economic uncertainty. Until 14 July. tate.org.uk

Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams

V&A

Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams is the largest and most comprehensive exhibition ever staged in the UK on the House of Dior. The show offers an in-depth and wide-ranging study of the unique Haute Couture garments since 1947, with a particular focus on Dior’s love of Britain. Across 11 theatrical sections, the exhibition showcases the exquisite skill and craftsmanship of the ateliers and successive artistic directors of the House of Dior. Read the full review here! Until 14 July. vam.ac.uk

Frank Bowling at Tate Britain

In a grand celebration of his work, Tate are hosting the first major retrospective of Frank Bowling’s work, a highly influential artist known for his vibrant kaleidoscopic paintings. The exhibition will follow Bowling’s journey to becoming one of Britain’s most renowned artists, and will also showcase newly created paintings that prove his artistic experimentation remains to this very day. 31 May – 26 August, tate.org.uk

Stanley Kubrick: The Exhibition

Design Museum

Already partly sold out, this exhibition is quickly proving to be a hugely popular one. The work of the iconic late American film director will come to life in this exhibition of his life and his world at the Design Museum. Until 15 September. designmuseum.org

What’s On in London? The Town Culture Diary

Artist Unknown at Kettle’s Yard

In a groundbreaking exhibition hosted at Kettle’s Yard, one of Britain’s best art galleries (just 50 minutes to London) visitors will be able to see fascinating historic art and artefacts from Cambridge University’s museum and collections. The theme of the exhibtion looks at the intimate relationship between art and science, and will feature paintings, drawings, ceramics, wood carvings, scientific instruments, taxidermy and many more surprises to be discovered. 9 July – 22 September, kettlesyard.co.uk

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