The Best London Exhibitions Guide 2023


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Art enthusiasts and culture aficionados, rejoice! London’s vibrant art scene is currently ablaze with a diverse range of exhibitions that cater to every taste and interest. From mystic painters to musical icons, from intricate silk sculptures to canine companions, the city’s galleries and museums offer a captivating array of artistic wonders. Here’s a curated selection of the must-see exhibitions gracing London’s cultural landscape this August:

1. Hilma af Klint & Mondrian: Forms of Life | Tate Modern

Witness an extraordinary pairing of artistic brilliance as the works of Swedish painter and mystic Hilma af Klint and Dutch abstract artist Piet Mondrian share the spotlight at Tate Modern. This unique exhibition offers the chance to experience the evolution of abstract art through two distinct perspectives, presenting a captivating fusion of creativity and innovation.

2. Freddie Mercury: A World of His Own | Sotheby’s

Step into the world of rock legend Freddie Mercury through his personal treasures and memorabilia, meticulously preserved for decades. Sotheby’s offers a glimpse into Mercury’s life, showcasing everything from his iconic stage costumes to his eclectic record collection and even his prized Scrabble set. Immerse yourself in the world of a musical icon like never before.

3. Milk | Wellcome Collection

Delve into the unexpected depths of an exhibition centered around the seemingly simple subject of milk. Wellcome Collection’s exploration of milk encompasses themes of empowerment, colonization, and mass industry, all while embracing the symbolism of cow-shaped jugs. Prepare to be enlightened by this surprisingly profound take on a common staple.

4. Berthe Morisot: Shaping Impressionism | Dulwich Picture Gallery

Challenge the conventional narrative of Impressionism with an exhibition that spotlights the influential and pioneering female artist Berthe Morisot. Her works take center stage at Dulwich Picture Gallery, offering a fresh perspective on a movement often dominated by male artists.

5. Tomás Saraceno, Webs of Life | Serpentine Gallery

Marvel at the intricate silk sculptures crafted in collaboration with rare species of spiders at Serpentine Gallery’s show by Tomás Saraceno. These awe-inspiring works touch on a range of themes, from environmentalism to technology, all while highlighting the captivating nature of these arachnid collaborators.

6. The Waiting Room | Peckham Rye Station

Visit the unconventional setting of a 150-year-old waiting room above Platform 3 of Peckham Rye station to witness the stunning sculpture “Metronome” by US-based artist Sarah Sze. The immersive environment crafted by Sze is sure to leave an indelible mark on your artistic experience.

7. The Offbeat Sari | The Design Museum

Discover the versatility and transformation of the sari through centuries at The Design Museum’s exhibition. The exhibit showcases the sari’s evolution and impact, capturing the essence of a garment that has transcended time and culture.

8. All The Flowers Are For Me | Kew Gardens

Immerse yourself in the stunning patterns inspired by Islamic art that adorn the walls surrounding Pakistani-American artist Anila Quayyum Agha’s sculptures. Kew Gardens presents an exhibition that seamlessly weaves together art, nature, and cultural exploration.

9. Evelyn Hofer | The Photographers Gallery

Experience the ordinary through an extraordinary lens as German-American photographer Evelyn Hofer’s works take center stage. These images, capturing everyday city life, are showcased for the first time in the UK, inviting viewers to see the spectacular in the seemingly mundane.

10. Black Venus | Somerset House

Embark on a transformative journey through the groundbreaking exhibition “Black Venus,” curated by Aindrea Emelife. This powerful showcase examines the representation of Black womanhood throughout history, delving into themes of reclamation, othering, and contemporary artistry.

11. Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Rooms | Tate Modern

Celebrate Tate Modern’s 20th birthday with an immersive exploration of the polka-dot-obsessed world of Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama. The exhibition features two of Kusama’s mesmerizing Infinity Rooms, offering visitors a chance to be enveloped in a universe of lights and reflections.

12. David Hockney: Bigger & Closer Not Smaller & Further Away | The Lightroom

Prepare to be awestruck by the monumental illuminated artworks of David Hockney at The Lightroom in King’s Cross. These larger-than-life creations promise to captivate visitors in a vibrant world of color and imagination.

13. Evelyn De Morgan: The Gold Drawings | Leighton House

Step into a world of symbolic imagery with Evelyn De Morgan’s evangelical gold drawings, a collection that hasn’t been publicly displayed in over a century. Leighton House’s exhibition showcases the artist’s golden masterpieces, intricately crafted with homemade highlighters.

14. Capturing The Moment | Tate Modern

Explore the dynamic relationship between photography and painting through the lens of renowned artists like Picasso, Hiroshi Sugimoto, and Gerhard Richter. “Capturing The Moment” at Tate Modern offers an in-depth look at how these mediums influence and inspire each other.

15. World in Common: Contemporary African Photography | Tate Modern

Dive into the world of African photography at Tate Modern’s landmark exhibition, which sheds light on the power of the medium in shaping perspectives and narratives. Discover the captivating works of contemporary African photographers and gain a deeper understanding of their artistic journeys.

16. Crown to Couture | Kensington Palace

Witness the fascinating intersection of modern red carpet couture and the opulent costume of the 17th-century royal court at Kensington Palace’s exhibition. This innovative showcase juxtaposes celebrity gowns with historical regalia, offering a unique perspective on fashion across centuries.

17. Titanosaur | Natural History Museum

Encounter the colossal Patagotitan, an awe-inspiring prehistoric giant, as the Natural History Museum unveils a life-size model of this unimaginably large creature. Experience the majesty of Titanosaur and marvel at its remarkable size and features.

18. Diva | V&A

Celebrate the larger-than-life personalities that have graced the world’s stage with the V&A’s “Diva” exhibition. From iconic figures like Naomi Campbell and Marilyn Monroe to contemporary stars like Beyoncé, the showcase explores the transformative power of confidence and charisma.

Whether you’re a fan of modern art, historical treasures, or thought-provoking installations, London’s exhibitions offer an abundance of artistic riches to explore this August. Don’t miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in these captivating displays of creativity and expression.

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