ART IN THE CAPITAL: LONDON'S CURRENT EXHIBITIONS AND FAIRS
London, a city steeped in history and yet forever forward-looking, is currently experiencing an artistic renaissance like no other. The galleries, exhibition spaces, and bustling art fairs have converged to create a living tapestry of creativity and expression. From contemporary masterpieces that challenge the status quo to retrospectives that pay homage to the classics, London’s current art exhibits and fairs offer a kaleidoscope of inspiration for art lovers and cultural enthusiasts. This article gives a peek into the current art scene of London, highlighting the diverse aspects of the visual art scene in the city.
1. Yinka Shonibare CBE RA, Stephen Friedman Gallery, Frieze London
Yinka Shonibare CBE RA, an artist with British-Nigerian roots, describes himself as a ‘post-colonial hybrid.’ He creates art that delves into issues of race and class using various forms like sculptures, paintings, photos, films, quilts, and public artworks.
One of his remarkable sculptures, “Material (SG) IV,” captures a unique concept: freezing the wind’s movement in a single moment. This sculpture, with its sense of dynamic motion, resembles a vast sheet of fabric gently billowing in the breeze. It’s different from traditional monuments celebrating personal power. It instead explores how people universally experience historical change.
This artwork’s origins trace back to Shonibare‘s 2010 project, “Nelson’s Ship in a Bottle,” displayed on London’s Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square. During this project, Shonibare realized the standalone beauty of the ship’s sails, adorned with his signature Dutch-wax batik fabric. Originally inspired by Indonesian designs and mass-produced by the Dutch, this fabric found its way to their colonies in West Africa. By the 1960s, it had become a symbol of African identity and independence. In Shonibare’s hands, it represents the complex identities we all carry.
2. Gabrielle Chanel, Fashion Manifesto, Victoria & Albert Museum
Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel, an iconic figure in the world of fashion, is celebrated for revolutionizing women’s clothing and setting new standards of style and elegance. The Fashion Manifesto exhibit pays tribute to her extraordinary influence on the fashion industry and showcases her enduring legacy.
The Fashion Manifesto exhibit, like Chanel herself, embodies a spirit of innovation. It presents a curated collection of her most iconic designs, from the little black dress and the timeless Chanel suit to her signature quilted handbags and iconic fragrances. Each piece serves as a testament to her unwavering commitment to redefining femininity.
Beyond clothing, the exhibit delves into Chanel’s broader influence on culture and society. Her collaborations with artists, photographers, and filmmakers expanded her brand’s reach beyond the fashion realm. Her timeless quotes, such as “Fashion fades, only style remains the same,” are enduring mantras that continue to inspire generations of designers and fashion enthusiasts.
3. Marina Abramović, Royal Academy of Arts
Marina Abramović’s artistry is defined by her fearless exploration of the confines that govern the human body, time, and our capacity for enduring challenging experiences. Throughout her illustrious career, Abramović has consistently pushed the boundaries of what Art can encompass, offering both herself and her audience profound challenges in the process.
At the heart of Abramović’s artistic practice lies the deliberate use of her own body as a canvas for creative expression. She has willingly subjected herself to a wide spectrum of both physically and psychologically-demanding trials, effectively pushing the boundaries of her physical and emotional resilience. In her performances, she frequently engages in acts such as self-inflicted cuts, burns, or exposing herself to extreme conditions. These actions serve as vehicles for her exploration of the latent potential within the human body, both in terms of its physical capabilities and its emotional depths.
On-display at the Royal Academy of Arts, is a retrospective of Abramovic’s works of her five-decade long career. This momentous exhibit consists of highlights from the artist’s remarkable journey, including works done in various mediums such as sculpture, video, installations, and live performances.
4. The Art of Banksy, Regent Street, London
Banksy’s work is a testament to the power of Art to engage with contemporary issues and challenge established norms. Through his anonymous persona and bold creations, he invites us to question, reflect, and see the world with a fresh perspective. His art serves as a reminder that Art can transcend traditional boundaries and play a vital role in sparking conversations about the society we inhabit.
Additionally, Banksy’s art frequently disrupts conventional spaces and institutions. He has staged unauthorized exhibitions in museums, transformed ordinary street objects into thought-provoking installations, and even orchestrated audacious stunts at auction houses. These actions challenge the commodification of Art and question who gets to define its value.
The Art of Banksy at Regent Street, London brings together the artist’s most iconic works to date, as well as personal sketches and stories about them. Works include ‘Girl with Balloon,’ ‘Flower Thrower,’ and ‘Rude Copper,’ amongst others.
5. REBEL: 30 Years of London Fashion
This milestone exhibit celebrates three decades of rule-defying, innovative fashion that have influenced new generations of designers and continues to do so. It is guest-curated by BFC (British Fashion Council) Ambassador for Emerging Talent Sarah Mower MBE and co-curated by Design Museum Senior Curator Rebecca Lewin.
One of the most iconic collections is Jonathan Anderson’s ‘Fall 2013 Menswear’ collection. The collection was a pivotal moment in his career, marking his transition into the role of Creative Director at the Spanish luxury fashion house, Loewe. Anderson’s fascination with materials and textures was evident in this collection. He incorporated a diverse range of textiles and finishes, from supple leathers to intricate weaves, creating garments demanded to be touched and appreciated up close.
Jonathan Anderson’s approach to Fashion challenges the rigid boundaries that have historically-defined gendered-clothing. He has been a pioneer in promoting gender fluidity, often blurring the lines between masculine and feminine aesthetics. His designs embrace the idea that clothing should be about self-expression rather than adherence to traditional norms.
This approach has resonated with a diverse and inclusive audience, making his work highly influential in contemporary discussions of gender identity.
Text by Shalini Passi
Image Courtesy: Shalini Passi, CHANEL, Andre Durst, Stephen Friedman Gallery, Frieze London 2023, Sean Kelly gallery, and, Victoria & Albert Museum
Find more about the current Exhibitions at London:
https://www.stephenfriedman.com/artists/100-yinka-shonibare-cbe-ra/
https://www.vam.ac.uk/exhibitions/gabrielle-chanel-fashion-manifesto
https://www.royalacademy.org.uk/exhibition/marina-abramovic
https://designmuseum.org/exhibitions/rebel-30-years-of-london-fashion
