Feeling the winter blues approaching?
Let this list of art events guide you
Recently several of my friends approached me, asking for art show recommendations. While sending over links and suggestions, I realised that many of these are not so easy to find if you’re not in the industry or are coming outside of London. Whether it is to escape the winter blues, find inspiration, hide somewhere warm or maybe refresh your Instagram feed, London is currently hosting an excellent selection of exhibitions. I decided to compile the following list below so a wider audience can take advantage of it. Without further ado, here are some of the highlights you may want to explore.
*Warning: The bias is present. My selection is likely skewed towards new media art.
Olafur Eliasson at Tate Modern
Tate Modern brings a comprehensive selection of the famous Danish-Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson. Top show on every Instagrammers list.
Dates: Runs until 5 January 2020.
Pro Tip: (1) Bring an old T-shirt you no longer wear into Tate Modern for recycling, and you will get a 20% discount on an Olafur Eliasson exhibition T-shirt. (2) Tate Modern is also currently hosting a retrospective of Nam June Paik’s work, Korean artist and a pioneer of video art. It’s on my list to see, but if you have any space left to indulge more creativity after Eliasson’s show then can try visiting both exhibits while at the museum.
2. Somerset House: 24/7
Somerset House brings together a group show by some of the most renowned artists today working across a variety of media. Immersive, engaging and thought-provoking, the artworks serve as a reminder to take a break from our non-stop digital life. Personally, I fell in love with Pierre Huyghe’s video work, accompanied by house music. After the exhibition I definitely had a very good sleep.
Dates: Runs until 23 Feb 2020.
Pro Tip: (1) There is a special installation that you need to sign up in advance if you’re interested to participate. The piece is made by Iain Forsyth & Jane Pollard and called the ‘Somnoproxy’. You can sign up on arrival by speaking to a member of the Visitor Experience team. (2) The show is a 2 minute walk away from The Store X (on the list below) in case you want to capture both exhibitions at once.
3. Antony Gormley at the RA
Antony Gormley is one of the leading British sculptors and on the list you should know if you live in London. What I love the most is how he manages to redevelop his practice over time while keeping a consistent style in his work. RA brings together highlights of his practice and provides an interactive maze for visitors to explore.
Dates: Runs until 3 December 2019. (Hurry!)
Pro Tip: (1) The tunnel is actually a human body sculpture, which you are walking through! (2) Don’t be scared of gravity, try taking an image like the one below!
4. Other Spaces by The Store X The Vinyl Factory
If you want a truly immersive experience , try visiting the free show at The Store X, 180 The Strand. The experience is presented in collaboration with the Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain, Paris
Dates: Runs until 8 December 2019.
Pro Tip: The show is a 2 minute walk away from the 24/7 show (No2) in case you want to capture both at once.
5. Anselm Kiefer at White Cube Bermondsey
White Cube gallery presents Superstrings, Runes, The Norns, Gordian Knot, a solo show by Anselm Kiefer, one of the most famous living German artists. The art exhibition showcases a selection of his new artwork. The interior of the entrance hall was also redesigned specifically for the event.
Although White Cube is a private commercial gallery, its space can easily compete with some of the public museums. If you haven’t been, strongly recommend discovering it. the neighbourhood is also excellent for a dinner or a glass of wine. The show takes place at their Bermondsey location, which is a 10 minute walk from London Bridge/ The Shard. The show is free, just check opening hours.
Dates: Runs until 26 January 2020.
Pro Tip: Grab a glass of wine after the show at B Street Deli or check out the new Vinegar Yard on the way.
Enjoy the shows and let me know if you have any questions of tips!