5 Art exhibitions in London that you don’t want to miss this spring!
As the days get longer and the weather starts to get warmer, doing fun, wholesome activities in London is starting to become more appealing. Whether you’re interested in fashion, photography, street art or iconic performers, I’m sure that these art exhibitions are for you as these aren’t ones to miss!
If you’re looking for something to do this spring, here are five art exhibitions that are showcasing Black artists and Artists of Colour that are currently happening or about to emerge in London:
1) Africa Fashion
When: 2 JULY 2022 - 16 APRIL 2023
Where: Victoria & Albert Museum
Price: £16.00
Image: Africa Fashion. Courtesy of the artist © Victoria and Albert Museum
This V&A exhibition beautifully curated and captured an entire continent through its fashion whilst showcasing their history; ‘Africa Fashion’ visually encapsulates artistry, history, textiles, of Black culture that is shown through photography, visual art, interactive media and more. Africa Fashion at its core is cultural identity and Black pride. The exhibition beautifully pays homage to exemplary African leaders such as: former President of Ghana Kwame Nkrumah, Ghanaian photographer James Barnor, as well as acknowledging global icons such as Beyoncé.
As well as, celebrating Black fashion designers as their work is beautifully displayed and adorned on Black mannequins wearing Black hairstyles from bantu knots to cornrows.
‘Africa Fashion’ is not one to miss! The exhibition closes on 16th April 2023, book now.
2) Beyond the Streets London
When: 17 FEBRUARY 2023 – 9 MAY 2023
Where: Saatchi Gallery
Price: £15.00
Image: Installation view of Beyond the Streets. Courtesy of the artist © Ian Reid
Saatchi Gallery presents BEYOND THE STREETS LONDON, an exhibition that is supported by adidas Originals. Curated by graffiti historian and art dealer, Roger Gastman, who creatively examines and captures how the human mind expresses themselves as well as examining how the public’s perception is shifted by impactful cultural narratives of underground art and culture. Accolades are given to talented artists from all over the world, such as, Goldie, Lady Pink, Keith Haring, Jamie Reid and many more! This exhibition celebrates influential moments of graffiti, street artists, hip-hop and punk rock.
Get tickets here!
3) Living The Dream
When: 9 MARCH 2023 - 7 MAY 2023
Where: Fujifilm House of Photography
Price: FREE
Image: UK Black Female Photography (UKBFTOG). Courtesy of the artist © UK Black Female Photography
Living The Dream is a fairly new exhibition that is happening right now at FUJIFILM House of Photography in Covent Garden. This exhibition displays an array of photography that centralises and honours culture, womanhood, and creativity through the eyes of 51 Black female photographers and is free to the public to view at the FUJIFILM House of Photography until Sunday, May 7th. Supported by powerhouses, UK Black Female Photographers (UKBFTOG), The McKenzie Heritage Collection and FUJIFILM House, Living The Dream is an exhibition that definitely should be on your radar!
Book your tickets now!
4) DIVA
When: 24 JUNE 2023 - 7 APRIL 2024
Where: Victoria & Albert Museum
Price: TBC
Image: Maria Callas. Courtesy of the artist © Victoria and Albert Museum
DIVA will pay an homage to iconic performers and celebrate the power and creativity of their talents whilst also reappraising and exploring the role of ‘diva’ and how this has been influential or subverted over time across film, popular music, opera and stage. The exhibition will explore how iconic performers have contributed to meaningful change through their voice and art. DIVA will feature fashion, music, designs, photography and more from the V&A collections and loans from around the world.
For more information, click here.
5) Julianknxx: Chorus in Rememory of Flight
When: 14 SEPTEMBER 2023 - 11 FEBRUARY 2024
Where: The Curve, Barbican Centre
Price: TBC
Image: Julianknxx, On Freedom Of Movement (wi de muv), Still, 2022. Courtesy of the artist © Studioknxx
London-based artist, poet and filmmaker Julian Knox – also known as – Julianknxx explores themes of identity and belonging as he uses his words, sentimental visual art and music that are rooted in his Sierra Leonean heritage. The Sierra Leonean artist will take inspiration from his personal history and culture to dismantle dominant perspectives on African art, history and culture. Julianknxx uses rich symbolism to convey the Black experience of redefining the self, rejecting labels and stereotypes to create new collective narratives.
Click here for more information.
