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The Best Art Exhibitions in London
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Looking to soak up some culture in the capital? The search ends here. Read our round up of the best art exhibitions in London, featuring contemporary classics, abstract showcases and breathtaking photography…
The Best Art Exhibitions in London
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Shiny Colourful Amusements for the Walls of the Bourgeoisie
JD Malat Gallery
Renowned Scottish-born poet and artist Robert Montgomery is presenting his first ever UK solo exhibition within Mayfair’s JD Malat contemporary art gallery, an eclectic showcase of thought-provoking light works fusing art and poetry together. Until 1 November 2019; jdmalat.com
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Africa: The Photographs of Nathalie Mountain
John Mitchell Fine Paintings
In her first ever solo exhibition, London-based photographer Nathalie Mountain – who has shot for the likes of Harpers Bazaar and Esquire – will showcase an array of stunning African wildlife imagery captured from her time spent journeying the fauna-rich continent, from Tanzania and Zimbabwe, to Zambia and South Africa. Inspired by her love and fascination for the wildlife that inhabit these diverse regions, Mountain’s photography explores the ‘fleeting moments’ within nature, detailing the scope and beauty of African species within their natural habitats. What’s more, ten percent of all profits made throughout the exhibition will be generously donated to East African charity, Big Life UK and The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust which works to protect orphaned elephants and rhinos. 7 – 15 November 2019; johnmitchell.net
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Dark Laughter
Pippy Houldsworth Gallery
Acclaimed American art critic, historian and poet, Barry Schwabsky is launching an exhibition at Mayfair’s Pippy Houldsworth Gallery, showcasing the satirical works of four renowned New York-based artists, June Leaf, Ellen Berkenblit, Genesis Belanger and Emily Mae Smith. Expect spectacular sardonic portraits of politicians, a surrealist ceramic sculpture and many a dark humour-induced laugh. 25 October – 23 November; houldsworth.co.uk
Photo: June LEAF, Studies (Jet Spray) (Study for Woman Monument) 1975
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Human Stories: Circa No Future
NOW Gallery
Head to Greenwich’s NOW Gallery for a fantastic free viewing of self-taught West Indian photographer Nadia Huggins’ first ever UK solo exhibition. The spectacular photographic showcase explores the intimate connection between earth and ocean, as well as the liberating feeling and power of the body being immersed in sea. 4 October – 10 November; nowgallery.co.uk
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Naomi Frears Solo Exhibition
Beaux Arts London
Experience St Ives-based artist and filmmaker Naomi Frears’ extraordinary contemporary artworks at her solo exhibition, hosted by Beaux Arts London. The intriguing 25-piece showcase will demonstrate Frears’ latest works, a spectacular combination of mono printing, acrylic on wood, dry point on linen, and oil on canvas, each highlighting an array of mysterious and perplexing faces and human forms. 24 October – 30 November; beauxartslondon.uk
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TUTANKHAMUN: Treasures of the Golden Pharaoh presented by Viking Cruises
Saatchi Gallery
Discover ancient Egyptian treasures and fascinating world heritage artefacts at the Saatchi Gallery’s latest exhibition, TUTANKHAMUN: Treasures of the Golden Pharaoh, which marks the 100th anniversary of the unearthing of the ancient Egyptian Pharaoh’s tomb. 2 November – 3 May 2020; tutankhamun-london.com
Photo: Gilded Wooden “Ostrich Hunt” Fan/IMG
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Architecture of London
Guildhall Art Gallery
London is one of the most diverse, forward-thinking and contemporary cities in Europe, and its architecture tells the story of how it’s changed so vastly and so rapidly in the past 400 years. Guildhall Art Gallery’s new exhibition, Architecture of London, looks at how London’s cityscape has changed with a close-up look of its streets and buildings. The exhibition features 80 pieces of words by 60 artists and explores this architectural development through paintings ranging from the 17th century to today. Until 1 December; cityoflondon.gov.uk
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Olafur Eliasson: In Real Life
Tate Modern
In the most anticipated exhibition of his work yet, Olafur Eliasson will return to the Tate Modern from July 2019 to January 2020 with an immersive art exhibition looking at the artist’s interest and interpretations of movement and the way in which humans interact with other people and their environments. With a clear theme of climate change and sustainability too, this culturally relevant exhibition is a must-see for art lovers. Until 5 January 2020; tate.org.uk
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Kinesthesia by Dylan Gebbia-Richards
Unit London
Experience American artist Dylan Gebbia-Richards’ spectacular Jungian philosophy-inspired exhibition at Mayfair’s independent contemporary art gallery, Unit London. Enter into a kaleidoscopic world of vibrant canvas paintings and waxworks, brought to life with multicoloured layers of texture derived from Gebbia-Richards’ artistic instinct and intuition. 11 October – 23 November; theunitldn.com
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The Real DMZ Project: Negotiating Borders
Korean Cultural Centre UK
Art and history intertwine in this collaborative exhibition from the Real DMZ Project, where scenes revolving the dividing barrier – or demilitarised zone (DMZ) – between North and South Korea come to life through an array of installations, sculptures and photography. 1 October – 23 November; kccuk.org.uk
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Paul Freud: The Edge of Abstraction
The Royal Exchange
Experience British artist Paul Freud’s captivating abstract artworks within the historic setting of London’s 16th Century Royal Exchange, hosted by Alinea Law Members. The great-grandson of revolutionary neurologist and psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud, Paul Freud’s expressive collection of works spans 20 years, incorporating the creative use of lightfast, colourfast inks, and oils on canvas. Until 1 April 2020. Viewings must be arranged by appointment. Call 0207 101 4242 to book now.
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Li Lei: Poetic Abstraction
3812 Gallery
Shanghai-based artist Li Lei is bringing his expressive abstract images to St. James’s 3812 Gallery in a spectacular solo exhibition titled Poetic Abstraction, in which the artist’s diptych series Calm Contemplation will be showcased to the UK for the first time. Using integrated brush strokes and layers of vibrant and contrasting colours, Lei’s intriguing and aesthetic artworks convey his personal perceptions and feelings. 14 November to 18 January 2020; 3812gallery.com
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Art is the Best Medicine
Fiumano Clase
An exhibition filled with colour, fun and laughter, Art is the Best Medicine showcases the works of some of Britain’s best comedians, including Jack Whitehall, Harry Hill and Annie McGrath, all creatively coming together to raise funds for Mental Health UK. From paintings and sculptures to ceramics, photography and poetry, the exhibition celebrates the therapeutic and pleasurable nature of art, whilst unveiling the hidden artistic talents of some of our most beloved comedy experts. 13 – 20 December 2019; fiumanoclase.com
