The Top Exhibitions in London This Summer

Summer is a fantastic time of year in London; it’s when the city blossoms and the art world comes alive. Throughout the next couple of months there is an amazing selection of temporary exhibitions taking place all over the capital. So, as a guide, I’ve put together a list of my top picks.

Let me know if you’ve visited any or plan to in the comments at the end!

Barbican – Digital Revolution

Now – 14th Sept

With the rapid advancement of technology over the past twenty years, it’s no wonder that it has had a huge influence on the art world. This summer at the Barbican, you can explore how much technology and art have merged at the Digital Revolution exhibition, which features artists working in numerous mediums such as architecture and music among others.

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Royal Academy of Arts – Radical Geometry

Now – 28th Sept

I tweeted about this exhibition a couple of weeks ago and am planning on visiting at some point. The Radical Geometry: Modern Art of South America from the Patricia Phelps de Cisneros Collection highlights South America’s role in the modernist movement that took place in the mid 20th Century. You can expect to see colourful, bold work by the likes of Helio Oiticica and Juan Mele.

National Portrait Gallery – Virginia Woolf: Art, Life, and Vision

Now – 26th Oct

Virginia Woolf has had a huge impact on the art and literature world, and this exhibition celebrates exactly this. Showcasing over 100 works, including paintings by Grant and Vanessa Bell and photographs, this exhibition gives an intimate insight into Woolf’s life, art, and character.

Tate Modern – Kazimir Malevich

Now – 26th Oct

I remember writing an essay on Malevich at university and being absolutely fascinated by his work, as well as the movement it was part of – Russian constructivism. Malevich was at the forefront of this, and the exhibition at the Tate Modern features a number of his bold, geometric works.

Photographer’s Gallery – Lorenzo Vitturi and Early Colour Photography in Russia

1st Aug – 19th Oct

There’s a double whammy taking place at the Photographer’s Gallery this summer. Firstly, there’s the work of Lorenzo Vitturi who has snapped a series of photographs of the Ridley Road Market in London, where he manages to capture the diversity of the area. Secondly, there’s an exhibition of early colour photography from Russia which, as well as being a beautiful collection, also gives an insight in the societal changes in Russia during this time.

British Museum – Ancient Lives: New Discoveries

Now – 30th Nov

If you’re looking for an historical encounter, the British Museum is the place to go this summer. The Ancient Lives exhibition uncovers the past of mummification with interactive displays and 3D visualisations, forming the story of daily life in the Nile Valley over 4,000 years ago.

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British Library – Comics Unmasked

Now – 19th Aug

If graphic arts and comics are your thing, then you’re in luck! The British Library is holding a lively, colourful exhibition of Comics, adeptly titled Art and Anarchy in the UK. Here you can explore the works of renowned comic artists, as well as see some original artwork by Gorillaz and Jamie Hewlett, which was created especially for the show.

Tate Britain – British Folk Art

Now – 7th Sept

I’m actually going to see this exhibition next week so I’ll be able to report on it in more detail after then. It features paintings, sculptures, and textiles that are associated with Folk Art – a term that is extremely popular around the world, but less so in the UK.

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The National Gallery – Architecture in Italian Renaissance Painting

Now – 21st Sept

I have to admit I’m not the biggest fan of Italian Renaissance painting, but this exhibition highlights an interesting aspect of it – the architecture, a theme that was extremely important amongst the likes of Botticello, Duccio, and Crivelli.

Tate Modern – Henri Matisse Cut-Outs

Now – 7th Sept

I haven’t been to see this exhibition yet although I’d really like to. I’m a big fan of Matisse’s paintings, and I saw some of his cut-out work at a gallery in Dublin a few years back. It’s simple but impressive, and a must-see if you’re into bright colours and bold shapes.

Hayward Gallery – Uses of the Figure in Contemporary Sculpture

Now – 31st August

I know a lot of you are interested in sculpture, so this exhibition will be right up your street. The figure has been used a lot in the past in this medium, but The Human Factor will examine how it is being portrayed and represented in the modern day.

Saatchi Gallery – New Art from Africa and Latin America

Now – 2nd Nov

At one point Africa and Latin America were connected, creating one big land mass called Pangaea. Reuniting these two continents, the Pangaea exhibition brings together work from a number of popular contemporary artists from both sides of the Atlantic, drawing parallels between the two. Read my review here.

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Victoria and Albert Museum – Posters of Protest and Revolution

Now – 2nd Nov

The V&A Museum never fails to disappoint with its eclectic and wildly varying range of temporary exhibitions. This time, it looks at the art of posters, in particular those that relate to protests and revolution in the well-named A World to Win exhibition.

So, these are my top picks of exhibitions in London this summer, but I’m always on the look out for more suggestions.

Will you be in London this summer to see any of these? Have you been to any of these exhibitions?

Finally… Musement, a site offering museum tickets, art tours, and cultural activities has kindly let Wanderarti readers get €5 off purchases up until the 31st July. Just use the code WANDERARTI and you can get discounted offers all over Europe!