Tabish Khan the @LondonArtCritic picks five exhibitions to see in London, once lockdown lifts. Those wanting to remain indoors should visit his top online exhibitions and read his top 5 books.
Brent Biennial @ locations throughout Brent
It’s great to see this Biennial scattered throughout the North London borough of Brent so we get to see great art while exploring a part of town a lot of London’s gallery goers won’t be familiar with. I appreciated seeing art situated in libraries so we get to engage with these essential public space – chief among them Imran Qureshi’s intense works in Ealing Library where crumpled paper above me appears blood spattered. Until 13 December.
Alan Warburton: RGBFAQ @ Arebyte
An expert in animation Alan Warburton takes us through the history of computer animation in a video essay where visitors move from point to point. It’s a highly technical subject I knew little about, so it’s credit to the artist and the gallery to create an installation that keeps the experience engaging throughout. Until 23 January, free and booking essential.
Joakim Allgulander: Exile on East street, solitude and escapism @ Fiumano Clase
What have you done during lockdown, have you found yourself staring out the window or walking outside looking up at the passing clouds? Joakim Allgulander did during the first lockdown and he’s created paintings that recreate the surreal, and in this case serene, experience through his works. Until 22 December.
The De Morgan Collection & Time and Eternal Life @ Cromwell Place
Cromwell Place in South Kensington is a beautiful space where galleries can host pop up shows. Two excellent ones on right now mark the return of the De Morgans to Chelsea – Evelyn’s beautiful paintings and William’s striking ceramics. Plus stunning sculpture abounds in Time and Eternal life as we chart this theme through five millennia. Until 6 & 20 December respectively.
Tales from the Colony Room: Art and Bohemia @ Dellasposa
The Colony Room was a private members club that allowed many from London’s burgeoning art and literary scenes to cross paths. This exhibition pulls together works by some of the superb artists who visited it including Francis Bacon, Sarah Lucas and Lucien Freud, and it marks the occasion with a book by Darren Coffield that recounts the history of the now closed club. Until 20 December.
Brent Biennial photo: Thierry Bal. Arebyte photo: Max Colson. All other images courtesy respective galleries.
