Tabish Khan, the @LondonArtCritic, picks his top 5 exhibitions to see in London. If you are looking for more exhibitions, check out his previous top 5.
Emergency Exits: The Fight for Independence in Malaya, Kenya and Cyprus at IWM
This exhibition highlights how brutal colonialism was and the racist views of white superiority by the likes of Cecil Rhodes that perpetuated the British Empire. It also shines a light on three British colonies whose fight for independence is rarely discussed, and on how fiercely Britain fought to keep hold of them, often through violence and the destruction of documents that would evidence the abuses of colonialism. Until 29th March.
The Weight of Being: Vulnerability, Resilience, and Mental Health in Art at Two Temple Place
There are dozens of powerful artworks in this exhibition where artists look at what it’s like to live with mental health, whether that’s triggered through grief, parenting, war or any of the many challenges that people have to overcome. Threaded throughout the show are the works of Northern artist John Wilson McCracken, whom I had not come across before, and it was great for me to discover this superb figurative painter. Until 19th April.
Adeche Atelier: Shaped from Earth at Art Works East
These paintings, based on African folklore, tell stories that many Western audiences are unfamiliar with: creation, heroism, monsters, and courage. While portraits of deities look down upon us from the top of the gallery space. Adeche Atelier is a duo that works on paintings simultaneously, which makes these pieces all the more impressive. Until 20th March.
Beyond Burma: Forgotten Armies at the National Army Museum
Most schoolchildren learn about the European theatre of World War II, but the Asian theatre is seldom discussed. This exhibition looks at the war against Japanese forces in Asia, how some saw them as rescuers from the British Empire, and most importantly, the numerous Asian and African troops that fought and died for the British. It also looks at the toll disease took on troops, including posters from the time and a haunting piece of glass warped by the nuclear explosion at Hiroshima. Until 13th April.
Nordic Noir at The British Museum
An impressive selection of Nordic prints and drawings, primarily contemporary works, alongside works by the great Edvard Munch. Impressive works include the delicately drawn work by Kristian Evju and Anna Zimmerman, both drawing from historical references. I also enjoyed John Korner’s playful shopping trolley up in the mountains, proving humanity’s footprint is everywhere. Until 22nd March.
All images are copyrighted and courtesy of the respective museums and artists. Nordic Noir image copyright of the Trustees of the British Museum.
