Lorcan Drury picked his favourite six must-see art exhibitions in London this summer. Museums are open again, hurrah! Art lovers can experience art in the flesh once again. Each one of these exhibitions is curated by an inspiring female artist and they all express their identity in moving ways.
MUST-SEE ART EXHIBITIONS: 1 – YASOI KUSAMA: VICTORIA MIRO – NOW UNTIL JULY 31
Yasoi Kusama is easily the most innovative and influential female artists on the contemporary scene. Before you are able to buy tickets to her sold out exhibition ‘Infinity Mirror Rooms’ in the Tate Modern, check out her exhibition of paintings and sculptures in the Victoria Miro Gallery. This art exhibition explores the themes of personal obsession and cosmic infinity. Her work is so original because it is a combination of her Japanese heritage and new and exciting creations that reflect modern life.
Tickets are free and the exhibition is open daily from 10:00 – 18:00
Visit https://victoriamiro.artsvp.co/735e34 for booking details
MUST-SEE ART EXHIBITIONS: 2 – ALICE: CURIOUSER AND CURIOUSER EXHIBITION AT THE V&A – NOW UNTIL 31 DECEMBER
This magical exhibition explores the evolution of ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland’. It takes you on a journey from its conception in Lewis Carroll’s manuscript up to modern day interpretations of one of the most beloved children’s novels. It is an immersive experience perfect for any literature and art lover. You would be as mad as a hatter if you were to miss out. What’s more, under 12s go free – now that’s sure to put a Cheshire Cat smile on your face!
Tickets cost £20 and opening hours are Wednesday to Sunday from 10:00 – 17
Visit https://www.vam.ac.uk/exhibitions/alice-curiouser-and-curiouser for booking details.
MUST-SEE ART EXHIBITION 3 – LONDON DESIGN BIENNALE – NOW UNTIL 27 JUNE
Somerset House is proud to host the London Design Biennale this summer, which celebrates designers from over 25 countries. Marvel at how designers have interpreted this year’s theme of ‘Resonance’. The star of the show is Es Devlin’s ‘Forest for Change’ – a bold exhibition with a touching message. However, this is the first time in history that trees have been allowed into the courtyard which echoes the UN’s Global Goals of creating a more sustainable future. The event brings to life the issues that surround tackling climate change to create a beautiful exhibition.
General admission from £22.50 with daily entry from 11:00 – 19:15
Visit https://www.londondesignbiennale.com for booking details
MUST-SEE ART EXHIBITION 4 – CHARLOTTE PERRIAND: THE MODERN LIFE – 19 JUNE UNTIL 5 SEPTEMBER
This exhibition is a celebration of one of the 20th century’s leading women in 20th century design, Charlotte Perriand. She was often overshadowed by her male peers, but now her work takes centre stage. Experience her famous interior designs and furniture up close, such as her seminal Chaise Longue Basculante. Learn about how she claimed her place in the art world alongside her friends Fernand Léger and Pablo Picasso and me.
Adult tickets cost £18 and open 10:00 – 18:00 on weekdays
Visit https://designmuseum.org/exhibitions/charlotte-perriand-the-modern-life for booking details
MUST-SEE ART EXHIBITION 5 – JENNIFER PACKER: THE EYE IS NOT SATISFIED WITH SEEING – NOW UNTIL 22 AUGUST
Held in the beautiful Serpentine Pavilion, this is Packer’s first non-US exhibition. In her collection of works from across the last decade, she creates an intimate and emotional experience of what it means to be Black woman in the USA. Through portraiture and flower still paintings, she effortlessly uses art to depict the institutional violence against Black Americans and how expresses how family is her source of support as well as artistic inspiration.
Tickets are free and the exhibition is open from 10:00 – 18:00 daily
Visit https://www.serpentinegalleries.org/whats-on/jennifer-packer/ for booking details
MUST-SEE ART EXHIBITIONS, No 6 – BRIDGET RILEY: ‘PAST INTO PRESENT’ – NOW UNTIL 31 JULY
With over sixty years in the industry, Riley returns with a new exhibition of paintings from the past two years. This is a celebration of how previous works can be revised, refreshed and brought into the present moment. Included in this exhibition is an extension of one of her favourite series, Measure for Measure, but through a darker lens. Riley is the true definition of inspirational because she continues to pursue her passion regardless of being over eighty years of age.
Tickets are free and the exhibition is open daily from 10:00 – 18:00
Visit https://www.davidzwirner.com/exhibitions/2021/bridget-riley-past-into-present for booking details
Check out https://darlingmagazine.co.uk/diary-entries/dorich-house-museum-and-stanley-picker-gallery-best-of-kingstons-art/ to find out about a fabulous local exhibition.
