Tabish Khan the @LondonArtCritic has picked five exhibitions to see in London. Each one comes with a concise review to help you decide whether it’s for you.
Richard Stone & Lorena Garcia Mateu: A splendour among shadows @ Kristin Hjellegjerde, London Bridge
Walk around London and you’re bound to see statues of horses with historic figures atop them. This masculine heroic ideal feels very dated in the world we now live in, and this is reflected in the works of Richard Stone where porcelain and brass sculptures of horses have been covered up. These are beautifully sculpted pieces with message that resonate with our time. Accompanying his pieces are the painting of Lorena Garcia Mateu where classical hand poses are place within contemporary paintings. Until 19 September, free.
Aubrey Beardsley @ Tate Britain
Giant penises, lesbian lovers and gender fluid figures. Even today some would be upset by Aubrey Beardsley’s drawings so you can image how much more sensational they were in the prudish times of Victorian Britain. Even though he died at age 25 his output was prolific and despite the censors he still managed to get many a scandalous drawing published. Pull back the curtains and venture into this salacious world. Until 20 September, ticketed – booking ahead required.
Jason Hicklin @ Eames Fine Art, Print Room
London’s skyline emerges in silhouette as if we’re seeing it in the early light, in these etchings by Jason Hicklin. From small works to an immense view across the river, Hicklin’s work feels like a contemporary version of Monet’s views of London. These black and white etchings are filled with atmosphere. Until 6 September, free.
Cao Fei: Blueprints @ Serpentine Gallery
A derelict McDonald’s, a bloody train wreck and zombies. Artist Cao Fei is covering vast topics such as technological advancement, consumerism and our memories through feature length films and a brilliantly surreal virtual reality experience where an astronaut climbs out of a sink. Due to the pandemic this has been turned into an augmented reality experience, but it should be just as fun. Until 13 September, free – booking ahead required.
Maha Ahmed: A place that cannot be @ Kristin Hjellegjerde, Wandsworth
Taking a contemporary look at the tradition of miniature painting, Maha Ahmed creates beautiful landscapes populated with fantastic detail and mythical creatures. It’s skilfully executed and you could spend hours lost inside these tiny worlds. Until 12 September, free.
All images copyright the artist and courtesy the gallery unless otherwise stated. Cao Fei image copyright the artist, Vitamin Creative Space and Sprüth Magers.
