It’s no secret that London is a cultural powerhouse, with innovative galleries, world-class museums and weird and wacky happenings every day of the week. To really kickstart the summer spirit (and since it does look at least slightly like sunnier climes are on the way), we’ve created a round up of some of the best exhibitions and art events taking place in the capital this summer. Enjoy!
This fascinating exhibition has been captivating audiences since it opened, and June is your last chance to see what all the hype is about! Curated by UK photographer Martin Parr, this collection showcases images from international photographers based around British culture and identity.
Runs until: 19th June 2016
Venue: Barbican Centre, Barbican
The work of inimitable painter and feminist icon Georgia O’Keeffe is currently being showcased at the Tate Modern, with over 100 pieces spanning the length of her career. A real highlight is the Jimson Weed, the most expensive painting ever sold by a female artist.
Runs until: 30th October 2016
Venue: Tate Modern, Bankside
American artist Martine Syms lends her work to this 180 piece exhibition, exploring the space between lived experience and its representation. Fans of video and animation should definitely not miss this one.
Runs until: 19th June 2016
Venue: Institute of Contemporary Art, The Mall
Ergonomic design and innovative creativity come together in this incredible exhibition at the Barbican. The works trace residential development, and touch on current issues including gentrification and class divides.
Runs until: 16th October 2016
Venue: Barbican Centre, Barbican
One of modern art’s pioneers, Jeff Koons casts his satirical eye over the human condition in this collection of works owned by equally controversial modern artist Damien Hurst.
Runs until: 16th October 2016
Venue: Newport Street Gallery, Lambeth
1920’s artist Alex Katz’s finest works are showcased in this dynamic exhibition. Highlighting the originality in his design and use of colour, this collection is a must-see for the summer.
Runs until: 11th September 2016
Venue: The Serpentine Gallery, Kensington Gardens
A gorgeous curation of some of the past century’s most sublime photography, this retrospective glance into film and image’s golden era is well worth checking out.
Runs until: 3rd July 2016
Venue: V&A Museum, Kensington
A moving and dramatic exhibition showcase, Emotional Supply Chains brings together contemporary artists to explore identity in the age of information. From memes to social channels, this is an incredible analysis of how we represent ourselves through screens and visual content.
Runs until: 17th July 2016
Venue: Zabludowicz Collection, Chalk Farm
One with the ‘aww’ factor, this cutesy exhibition showcases all the childhood favourites of generation x, and is perfect for nostalgic parents to share with their children.
Runs until: 9th October 2016
Venue: V&A Museum of Childhood
This infamous collection of Stones memorabilia and iconism rolls to a close at the end of summer, so snapping up a ticket is strongly advised!
Runs until: 4th September 2016
Venue: Saatchi Gallery, Sloane Square
To celebrate the long, long, long awaited release of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, a Soho designer couple have transformed their studio into a shrine to all things Potter. The collection includes graphics inspired by the films’ artworks – apparate there now!
Runs until: February 2017
Venue: 2 Greek Street, Soho W1D 5DE
An exhibition on the streets, Arts and Crafts are offering tours of the best street art of Peckham and East Dulwich with copious amounts of craft beer thrown in. Tours are £10, and take place on seven Saturdays over the summer.
Runs until: 30th July 2016
Venue: Peckham Rye Station, Peckham
Ok, so this is not strictly an exhibition, but we had to include it for pure novelty factor. King’s Cross venue Drink, Shop & Do are running a one-off workshop for those with nimble fingers and healthy appetites to create works of art out of…. toast.
Runs until: One-off, 16th July 2016
Venue: Drink, Shop & Do, King’s Cross
Check out our handy Pinterest board for more info on the featured exhibitions!
