Top 5 Must-See Art Exhibitions in London: July 2024 Guide
As the days lengthen and then shorten ever so slightly, signifying summer's impermanence, London's art scene offers a welcome escape from the fleeting sunshine and the ever-present hum of news. Ditch the weather app and put down your phone - July's exhibitions promise to transport you. Dive into powerful photography that captures the world in a new light, wander through immersive installations that challenge your perception, or contemplate thought-provoking explorations of identity and history. Here are five must-see exhibitions on display this month.
Zanele Muholi at Tate Modern
South African visual activist Zanele Muholi returns to Tate Modern with a powerful mid-career survey. This expanded exhibition includes recent works that tackle themes of labor, racism, sexism, and sexual politics, presenting a multifaceted view of Black LGBTQI+ individuals in South Africa and beyond[1].
Address: Bankside, London SE1 9TG
Website: tate.org.uk
Dates: January 26, 2025
Yinka Shonibare: Suspended States at Serpentine
Renowned British-Nigerian artist Yinka Shonibare presents "Suspended States" at the Serpentine Gallery. This immersive installation explores themes of cultural hybridity, colonialism, and identity through Shonibare's signature use of colorful Dutch wax fabrics and headless mannequins. The exhibition promises to challenge viewers' perceptions of history and contemporary society.
Address: Kensington Gardens, London W2 3XA
Website: serpentinegalleries.org
Dates: until September 1, 2024
Tavares Strachan: There Is Light Somewhere at the Hayward Gallery
Bahamian artist Tavares Strachan's first major UK exhibition, "There Is Light Somewhere," transforms the Hayward Gallery with a series of large-scale installations. Strachan's work explores themes of invisibility, displacement, and the relationship between art, science, and history. Visitors can expect a thought-provoking journey through light, space, and hidden narratives[1].
Address: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX
Website: southbankcentre.co.uk
Dates: until September 1, 2024
Tate Britain Commission: Alvaro Barrington - GRACE
New York-based artist Alvaro Barrington takes over Tate Britain's Duveen Galleries with his commission titled "GRACE." Known for his innovative approach to painting and sculpture, Barrington's installation explores themes of cultural exchange, music, and identity. This site-specific work promises to be a vibrant and engaging experience for visitors.
Address: Millbank, London SW1P 4RG
Website: tate.org.uk
Dates: until January 26, 2025
Tropical Modernism: Architecture and Independence at V&A
The Victoria and Albert Museum presents "Tropical Modernism: Architecture and Independence," an exhibition exploring the architectural movement that emerged in newly independent nations across Africa, South and Southeast Asia in the mid-20th century. Through models, photographs, and archival materials, the show examines how architects adapted modernist principles to local climates and cultures, creating a unique architectural language[1].
Address: Cromwell Road, London SW7 2RL
Website: vam.ac.uk
Dates: until September 22, 2024