The best exhibitions this week in London, from Gavin Jantjes to RA's Summer Exhibition
With access to hundreds of museums and galleries a tube ride away, we Londoners are spoilt for choice when it comes to a fun day out. But sometimes the capital’s embarrassment of riches means it’s tricky to pick where to go.
Do you disappear into the National Gallery for an afternoon, pop by some of the independent galleries in Marylebone, explore East London’s exciting offerings, or wander around the Tate?
Look no further every week: here’s our pick of five extraordinary exhibitions to see in London right now.
Summer Exhibition
It’s always great fun to head to the Royal Academy’s Summer Exhibition where more than 1,200 delightful works of art from both celebrated artists and members of the public are displayed side by side. This year’s show has been coordinated by award-winning British abstract sculptor Ann Christopher.
Royal Academy, to August 18; royalacademy.org.uk
Tavares Strachan: There Is Light Somewhere
Bahamian-born conceptual artist Tavares Strachan is fascinated by the world. He has written his own encyclopedia, titled The Encyclopedia of Invisibility, sent a sculpture into space, and was the first person from the Bahamas to reach the North Pole. Here, in sculptural installations, collages, neon works, bronze, and ceramic sculptures Strachan continues his exploration of cultural connections – infusing his work with his infectious curiosity.
Hayward Gallery, to September 1; southbankcentre.co.uk
Gavin Jantjes: To Be Free! A Retrospective 1970 – 2023
Artist, writer and activist Gavin Jantjes, one of South Africa’s most significant artists, explores themes including politics, belonging, emancipation and sustenance in his allegorical works. This huge survey, taken from across his five-decade career, includes more than 100 drawings, paintings and prints.
Whitechapel Gallery, to September 1; whitechapelgallery.org
Rheim Alkadhi: Templates for Liberation
Iraqi-American artist Rheim Alkadhi, whose family moved to the US in 1980 at the advent of the Iran-Iraq War, explores colonialism and the consequences of conflict in present day Iraq and its wider region. Using sculptures and archival documentation, she asks questions about environmental and sociopolitical violence, imperialism, displacement and rebellion.
ICA, to September 8; ica.art
Six Lives: The Stories of Henry VIII’s Queens
This illuminating exhibition will look at the way Henry VIII’s wives, Katherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anne of Cleves, Katherine Howard and Katherine Parr, have been represented in art throughout history. The six women have remained a constant source of inspiration to artists over the centuries, as shown here in paintings, drawings, photography and film.
National Portrait Gallery, to September 8; npg.org.uk
