Tabish Khan the @LondonArtCritic picks his top 5 museum exhibitions to see in London this Summer. Each comes with a concise review to help you decide whether it’s for you. If you’re looking for more exhibitions check out his gallery exhibitions and his photography choices where all but one remain open to visit.
Tavares Strachan: There Is Light Somewhere @ Hayward Gallery
Sculpture, history, a ship out on the balcony and performers in the space all cover important themes about how history has been written through a Western European lens and Tavares Strachan’s works shine a light on a history we don’t often see, including African space programmes and powerful leaders in the Global South. It’s immersive, important and impressive. Until 1st September, ticketed.
Francis Alys: Ricochets @ Barbican Art Gallery
This exhibition is a tribute to children playing games in different parts of the world from conkers to blind man’s buff, and more region-specific examples such as killing mosquitoes in Congo and Ukrainian children playing soldiers at checkpoints. It shows both children’s innocence and how their play is shaped by wider world events. It’s a fascinating look at the world seen through children’s eyes. Until 1st September, ticketed.
Ian Berry: The Secret Garden @ Garden Museum
Hanging plants, fish swimming in a pond and a vase packed with flowers. It’s a perfect fit for the Garden Museum and it’s all made from denim. Taking used jeans and working with their natural colours Ian Berry creates detailed layered ensembles in denim that are mind-blowing, and it’s a chance for Londoners to see his Secret Garden that’s been shown around the world but this is its first showing in the UK. Until 8th September, free.
Discover Degas and Miss La La @ The National Gallery, Sunley Room
Degas often painted circus performer Miss La La, but this exhibition isn’t really about Degas. The focus has been switched to Miss La La, her life story, and her impressive athletic skills, including when she managed to hold a cannon aloft with her teeth even while it was fired. Including circus posters and works by other artists and circus posters, it’s a different approach and one I’d like to see mirrored in future exhibitions. Until 1 September, free.
Enzo Mari @ Design Museum
Ever heard of designer Enzo Mari? I hadn’t and was impressed by the diversity of this exhibition which includes a painted panther, a collection of sickles and scythes and a conceptual work where we kneel before a mirror and reflect on the fact that when all other ideologies fail all we’re left with is our reflection. Showing alongside contemporary artists inspired by him (pictured), this is an eye-opening exhibition. Until 8th September, ticketed.
All images copyright and courtesy respective artist and museum. Hayward photo: Mark Blower. Barbican photo: Jemima Yong. Miss La La image: © Mairie de Paris, Photothèque des Musées de la ville de Paris.
