Tabish Khan the @LondonArtCritic picks his Top 5 museum exhibitions to see in January. Each one comes with a concise review to help you decide whether it’s for you. If you’re looking for more shows, check out last week’s top 5 where all but one remain open to visit.
Beyond the Page: South Asian Miniature Painting and Britain, 1600 to Now @ MK Gallery
How has the traditional art of miniature painting influence contemporary South Asian artists working today? That’s what MK gallery’s superb show is about as there are scale rooms spattered with blood, beautiful birds taking flight and works that look at the role of religion and culture in contemporary South Asian life. Until 28 January.
Rebel: 30 years of London Fashion @ Design Museum
If you like your fashion punky, flamboyant and edgy then head to Design Museum for an exhibition that shows us the creativity of London’s designers. Including Sam Smith’s inflatable latex suit and Bjork’s swan dress, plus a mirror that allows you to apply filters to give yourself a bold new look – it’s a fun show of radical attire. Until 11 February.
Frans Hals @ The National Gallery
It’s a real skill for a painter to capture those fleeting expressions that cross the sitter’s face, and Frans Hals captures it perfectly. Throw in his ability to depict fantastic clothing and sensational facial hair, and you have a great selection of portraits. Until 21 January.
David Hockney: Drawing from Life @ National Portrait Gallery
With its initial run cut short by the pandemic, the Hockney drawings exhibition is back for a second run – including new works he’s made since. It’s another chance to see how versatile Hockney is and it even includes his paintings as well as his drawings. Until 21 January.
Capturing the Moment @ Tate Modern
Works by Andreas Gursky, David Hockney, Paula Rego, Warhol, Picasso, Freud, Bacon and Hiroshi Sugimoto are just some of the highlights in a show overflowing with talent. Sourced from one collection this is an impressive selection of art, even if thetheme holding them together is loose. Until 28 January.
MK Gallery photo: Robert Harris. Rebel photo: Andy Stagg. Frans Hals image: © Musée du Louvre, Paris, Department of Paintings. David Hockney image: copyright the artist, photo: Jonathan Wilkinson. Capturing the moment image © David Hockney. Photo: Art Gallery of New South Wales/Jenni Carter.
