30 art exhibitions to see in London in August 2023
Experience London’s vibrant art scene this August! Explore Asim Waquif's mesmerising bamboo installation at the Southbank Centre, marvel at the Barbican's celebration of creativity in individuals with brain injuries, and immerse yourself in Gabriel Massan's groundbreaking project on Black Brazilian experiences. Paul McCartney is showcasing his exceptional archive of past photographs at the National Portrait Gallery. Here is our guide to 30 must-see exhibitions in London this month.
वेणु [Venu] by Asim Waqif
#FLODown: The Hayward Gallery and the Bagri Foundation present वेणु [Venu], an immersive bamboo structure by Indian artist Asim Waqif. The artwork explores urban space, ecology, and community. Asim Waqif combines bamboo and industrial metal to create this large-scale installation, inviting visitors to walk inside and interact with musical instruments made from bamboo placed around the artwork. This public installation is the third commission resulting from the partnership between Hayward Gallery and Bagri Foundation since 2021, continuing their commitment to providing engaging, free art for all. The installation is located on the Hayward Gallery Level 2 Terrace as part of the Southbank Centre's vibrant portfolio of outdoor summer installations.
Date: 20 July – 22 October 2023. Location: Hayward Gallery Terrace, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX. Price: Free.
Gabriel Massan & Collaborators: Third World: The Bottom Dimension
#FLODown: Third World: The Bottom Dimension is a groundbreaking multi-part project by artist Gabriel Massan, delving into Black Brazilian experiences and the enduring impact of colonialism. Through an immersive exhibition, a thought-provoking video game, and web3 tokens on the Tezos blockchain, the project challenges established narratives and raises consciousness. Blending art with advanced technologies, it pushes the boundaries of artistic expression.Gabriel Massan’s solo immersive commission Continuity Flaws: The Loophole is also now on at Outernet . It’s free to visit and showcased every sunday from Noon - 6pm.
Date: 23 June - 22 October 2023. Location: Serpentine North, West Carriage Drive,London W2 2AR. Price: Free. Website: serpentinegalleries.org.
Headway East London: differently various
#FLODown: The Barbican's iconic Curve gallery is hosting differently various, an exhibition and public program by Headway East London, a charity supporting people affected by brain injury. Artworks on show celebrate the creativity of those with brain injuries. The exhibition program will include workshops, talks, tours, and performances, creating spaces for learning, creativity, and discussion. Workshops range from clay-making to drawing and music jam sessions. There will also be a relaxed screening of brain injury-related films and collaborative activities like stitching and embroidery. Tours include sensory and British Sign Language tours, offering inclusive experiences for all.
Date: 29 July – 6 August 2023. Location: The Curve , Barbican , Silk Street, London, EC2Y 8DS.
Nicholas Ferguson: Perspective
#FLODown: British-Swiss artist Nicholas Ferguson presents his exhibition Perspective at The Coningsby Gallery. His striking paintings explore the relationship between ego (symbolised by the goat) and creative genius (represented by the featherless rooster). Inspired by intuition, Ferguson's art and poetry evoke surrealism, encouraging a shift from rationalism to unlock our creative potential.
Date: 31 July - 12 August 2023. Location: The Coningsby Gallery, 30 Tottenham Street, London, W1T 4RJ. Price: Free.
Paul McCartney Photographs 1963–64: Eyes of the Storm
#FLODown: This unprecedented exhibition showcases remarkable photographs taken by Paul McCartney for the first time. The focus is on portraits captured by McCartney himself between December 1963 and February 1964, a pivotal period when The Beatles rose from a British sensation to a global phenomenon during the onset of Beatlemania. These never-before-seen images provide a uniquely personal perspective on what it was like to be a member of The Beatles during this transformative time, transitioning from playing UK stages to captivating 73 million Americans on The Ed Sullivan Show. Amidst the numerous camera lenses on the band, McCartney's photographs offer a crucial and exciting new angle on the band's journey as they created cultural history.
Date: 28 June - 1 October 2023. Location: National Portrait Gallery, St. Martin's Pl, London WC2H 0HE.Price: from £22.00. Book now.
The World Reimagined
#FLODown: The World Reimagined at the National Maritime Museum offers a transformative outdoor art experience with thirty-six giant globes showcasing unique artworks by acclaimed artists like Yinka Shonibare and Vashti Harrison, as well as emerging talents. Each globe represents a journey of discovery, delving into themes of slavery, emancipation, racial justice, community, and hopeful visions for the future. After touring the UK in 2022, the globes are now displayed in Greenwich throughout the summer, coinciding with important celebration days such as World Oceans Day and the 75th anniversary of the Windrush's arrival in Britain. Visitors can view the globes for free on the museum's lawns.
Date: daily Location: National Maritime Museum, Romney Rd, London SE10 9NF. Price: Free.
A World in Common: Contemporary African Photography
#FLODown: Experience the dynamic world of contemporary African photography in an immersive exhibition at Tate Modern. Artists from different generations come together to reimagine Africa's diverse cultures and histories through photography, film, and audio. Explore themes like spirituality, identity, urbanism, and the climate crisis, as you journey through dream-like utopias and bustling cityscapes. Witness how photography bridges the past and future across Africa's landscapes, borders, and time zones.
Date: until 14 January 2024. Location:Tate Modern, Bankside London SE1 9TG. Price: from £17. Concessions available. Book now.
Lagos, Peckham, Repeat: Pilgrimage to the Lakes
#FLODown: This major group exhibition explores the connections between Lagos and Peckham, showcasing the works of over ten Nigerian and British Nigerian artists. Through sculpture, installation, photography, and film, the exhibition delves into themes of transnational exchange, sense of place, and the contemporary metropolis. Highlights include a large-scale installation evoking the Lagos marketplace and a Lagos-inspired beer brewed specifically for the exhibition. Explore artistic reflections of Nigerian diaspora communities and the journeys that shape their creative practices.
Date: until 29 October 2023 . Location: South London Gallery, Main Building 65–67 Peckham Road, London, SE5 8UH. Price: Free. Book now.
Portraits of Dogs: From Gainsborough to Hockney
#FLODown: Portraits of Dogs: From Gainsborough to Hockney celebrates our deep connection with dogs throughout history. Through a curated selection of paintings, sculptures, drawings, and even taxidermy, the exhibition highlights the unique bond between humans and their canine companions. Dog portraiture emerged alongside its human counterpart and flourished in Britain from the seventeenth century onwards. The British have a particular fondness for commissioning and collecting dog portraits, making it an art form that is uniquely celebrated.
Date: until 15 October 2023. Location: The Wallace Collection, Hertford House, Manchester Square, London W1U 3BN. Price: from £14. Book now.
Martin Wong: Malicious Mischief
#FLODown: The Camden Art Centre is hosting an exhibition of the works of Martin Wong, a Chinese-American artist known for his depictions of social, sexual, and political scenes from the 1970s, 80s, and 90s. Wong's work offers a countercultural voice that challenged the art establishment's reactionary discourse at the time. Wong's practice is influenced by Chinese iconography, urban poetry, graffiti, carceral aesthetics, sign language, and the Latin American community he became involved with. The exhibition titled Martin Wong: Malicious Mischief presents over 100 of his works, including early paintings and sculptures, his iconic paintings from the 1980s and 1990s, and his reminiscences on East and West Coast Chinatowns.
Date: 16 June -17 September 2023. Location: Camden Art Centre, Arkwright Road, London, NW3 6DG. Price: Free.
All the Flowers are for Me and Plants of the Qur’ān
#FLODown: Renowned artists Anila Quayyum Agha and Sue Wickison have their latest works on show at the Shirley Sherwood Gallery of Botanical Art, Kew Gardens. The exciting dual exhibition centres around the theme of faith and cultural exchange and showcases contemporary sculptural works and intricate botanical paintings. Among the striking pieces by Anila Quayyum Agha is All the Flowers are for Me, a large laser-cut steel cube that draws inspiration from patterns found in Islamic art and architecture, as well as Stealing Moments (After Morris and Dürer), I and II, a wall-mounted piece that takes inspiration from Albrecht Dürer's Great Piece of Turf. Sue Wickison's exhibition, Plants of the Qur'an, features an impressive collection of new botanical paintings that beautifully depict plants mentioned in the Qur'an and highlight their cultural, agricultural, and botanical significance.
Date: until 17 September 2023. Location: Shirley Sherwood Gallery of Botanical Art, Kew Gardens. Price: from £12. Book now. Admission to the exhibition is included in a ticket to Kew Gardens.
Andy Warhol: The Textiles
#FLODown: Discover a new facet of the legendary artist Andy Warhol with the Andy Warhol: The Textiles exhibition, featuring over 60 unique fabric lengths and garments adorned with Warhol's textile patterns. This exclusive exhibit marks the first-ever showcase dedicated to Warhol's commercial textile designs, shedding light on how this lesser-known work played a pivotal role in the artist's oeuvre and gained global collector appeal. Visitors to the exhibition will witness Warhol's fascination with everyday objects and his artistic relationship with mass production, as evident in his textile designs. The exhibit also delves into Warhol's development as a Pop Artist and his elevation of subject matter through repetition. Expect to see many pieces never before exhibited, setting this exhibition apart from previous Warhol showcases.
Date: until 10 September 2023. Location: The Fashion and Textile Museum 83 Bermondsey Street, London, SE1 3XF. Price: from £12.65. Concession available. Book now.
Carrie Mae Weems: Reflections for Now
#FLODown: The Barbican Art Gallery will host a groundbreaking exhibition on influential American artist, Carrie Mae Weems. It's her first major UK exhibition, exploring her work on identity, power, and social justice. The exhibition includes photographs, films, objects, and installations spanning three decades. Weems critically examines representations of race and challenges systemic racism. Her work is performative and cinematic, featuring iconic pieces like the Kitchen Table Series and The Shape of Things, which explores the history of violence in the US.
Date: 22 June – 3 September 2023. Location: Barbican Art Gallery, Silk St, Barbican, London EC2Y 8DS. Price: from £16. Concessions available. Book now.
WAVE: Currents in Japanese Graphic Arts
#FLODown: Discover the vibrant diversity of Japanese graphic arts at WAVE: Currents in Japanese Graphic Arts. This bold exhibition features works by 60 Japanese artists, showcasing a fusion of fine art, commercial illustration, and counterculture. From pop art to surrealism and the concept of heta-uma, challenge your perception of beauty and skill. Curated by Hiro Sugiyama and Takahashi Kintarō, WAVE offers a rare opportunity to explore the dynamic world of Japanese illustration and graphic arts outside Japan.
Date: 6 July 2023 – 22 October 2023. Location: 101-111 Kensington High St, London W8 5SA. Price: Free. Book now.
Berthe Morisot: Shaping Impressionism
#FLODown: Step into the world of Berthe Morisot in this highly anticipated exhibition, which marks the first major showcase of this celebrated artist in the UK since 1950. In collaboration with the prestigious Musée Marmottan Monet in Paris, the exhibition features over 30 of Morisot's most significant works from international collections, including many that have never been seen in the UK before.Unveiling Morisot as a pioneering force of the Impressionist movement, the exhibition sheds light on her previously overlooked contributions to the movement and explores the unique connection between her work and 18th-century culture. Approximately 15 works will be on display for comparison, offering visitors a rare opportunity to experience Morisot's evolution as an artist.
Location: Gallery Road, London SE21 7AD. Date: 31 March - 10 September 2023. Price: from £16.50. Book now.
Simone Brewster: The Shape Things
#FLODown: NOW Gallery is showcasing The Shape of Things, a 2023 Design Commission by contemporary designer Simone Brewster. The exhibition explores objects' power to convey beauty, representation, and empowerment, with a focus on "intimate architecture." It delves into societal norms, race, gender, and equality in design. Brewster's bold and geometric designs include wearable comb sculptures inspired by African hairstyles. The exhibition celebrates Black British design and African heritage while raising significant issues of visibility in design and architecture.
Date: 29 June - 24 September 2023. Location: NOW Gallery, The Gateway Pavilions, Peninsula Square, Greenwich Peninsula, London, SE10 0SQ.Price: Free. Book now.
Herzog & de Meuron
#FLODown: Showcasing the renowned Swiss architectural firm Herzog & de Meuron (H&dM), this exhibition will provide visitors with a unique opportunity to explore H&dM's methodology, philosophy, and groundbreaking projects. Co-curated by the architects themselves, the exhibition offers unparalleled insight into the innovative approach that H&dM brings to the field of architecture. Showcasing a diverse range of projects, including museums, hospitals, stadiums, and public buildings, such as London's Tate Modern and the Elbphilharmonie Hamburg, the exhibition highlights the contextualised beauty and creative vision behind H&dM's masterpieces. Divided into three rooms, the exhibition features objects from H&dM's Kabinett, photographic works by Thomas Ruff, films depicting life at the REHAB Clinic, and a special focus on healing architecture with an interactive mock-up of a hospital patient room. With its global reputation and iconic projects, H&dM continues to shape the architectural landscape with their innovative designs.
Date: until 15 October 2023. Location: Herzog & de Meuron, The Gabrielle Jungels-Winkler Galleries, Burlington House, Piccadilly, London W1J 0BD. Price: from £13. Concessions available. Book now.
DIVA
#FLODown: From the Opera goddesses of the Victorian era to today’s global megastars, DIVA will celebrate the power and creativity of iconic performers, exploring and redefining what it means to be a Diva and how this has been subverted or embraced over time across opera, stage, popular music, and film. Featuring fashion, photography, design, costumes, music and live performance drawn from the V&A collection and loans from across the world, the exhibition looks at how the performer has intersected with society and driven change through their voice and art.
Date: until 7 April 2024. Location: Victoria and Albert Museum, South Kensington, Cromwell Road, SW7 2RL. Price: £20. Book now.
Dear Earth: Art and Hope in a Time of Crisis
#FLODown: Dear Earth: Art and Hope in a Time of Crisis showcases the ways in which artists will help reframe and deepen our psychological and spiritual responses to the climate crisis. The exhibition will inspire care, empathy, and promote a sense of political and social activism. Through the works of 14 artists, including Ackroyd & Harvey, Andrea Bowers, and Cornelia Parker, it will explore the interdependence of ecologies and ecosystems, as well as our emotional connection with nature. Dear Earth aims to foster environmental awareness and encourage positive change.
Location: Southbank Centre, Hayward Gallrey Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX. Date: until 3 September 2023. Price:from £15. Book now.
The Offbeat Sari
#FLODown: This exhibition celebrates the contemporary sari and its metaphorical significance for modern India. Curated by Priya Khanchandani, it brings together numerous saris from designers, wearers, and craftspeople in India, showcasing how the traditional unstitched drape has morphed and absorbed cultural influences. The sari is no longer just a formal or uncomfortable garment; it's now worn as an everyday outfit by some and as a symbol of resistance and protest by others. Young people in urban areas have reinvented the sari by pairing it with sneakers for their daily commutes to work. The exhibition highlights the sari's design innovation, expression of identity, and cultural meanings, representing the complexities of modern India.
Date: until 17 September 2023. Location: 224-238 Kensington High Street, Kensington, W8 6AG. Price: from £12.60. Book now.
Northern Ireland: Living with the Troubles
#FLODown: The Imperial War Museums (IWM) is holding a free exhibition that aims to provide visitors with a deeper understanding of the Troubles in Northern Ireland, a period of conflict that lasted almost 30 years. Although a fragile cease-fire was signed in 1998, many aspects of the conflict remain unresolved and highly contested. The exhibition is organised into four sections, each exploring the Troubles from multiple perspectives and showcasing objects that shed light on the experiences of those involved. The exhibition includes a glossary to help visitors understand the complex nature of the conflict.
Date: until 7 January 2024. Location: IWM London, Lambeth Rd, London SE1 6HZ. Price: Free
Crown to Couture
#FLODown: The exhibition at Kensington Palace explores the connections between the worlds of the Georgian court and the modern-day red carpet. Featuring over 200 objects displayed across the State Apartments and intimate exhibition spaces, it showcases both historic court dress and iconic contemporary red carpet looks worn by high-profile celebrities such as Lizzo and Lady Gaga. Through this display, visitors will learn about the preparation and styling required for attending such events, as well as the subtle messages conveyed by clothing and the design influences that inspire outfits.
Date: until 29 October 2023. Location: Kensington Palace, Palace Green, London, W8 4PZ. Price: from £ 24.50. (The exhibition is included in Palace admission price).Concessions available. Book now.
Hilma af Klint & Piet Mondrian: Forms of life
#FLODown: Discover the visionary work of Hilma af Klint and Piet Mondrian, who both invented their own languages of abstract art rooted in nature. They shared an interest in science, spirituality, and philosophy. The exhibition features rarely exhibited works of both artists and showcases their beautiful, complex work through vibrant signs, shapes, and colours.
Date: until 3 September 2023. Location: Tate Modern, Bankside London SE1 9TG Price: from £20. Book now.
Anthony Caro: The Inspiration of Architecture
#FLODown: Don't miss out on the opportunity to witness the late, celebrated sculptor Anthony Caro's breathtaking painted metal works in a setting that is both striking and steeped in history. This exhibition provides a profound exploration of Caro's imaginative use of materials and forms, and showcases his significant contribution to the progression of modern sculpture. The display boasts several expansive installations, some of which incorporate steps and doors, making for an exceptional chance to encounter the intricacy and profundity of Caro's sculptures, and how they seamlessly transcend into the realm of architecture.
Date: until 10 September 2023 Location: Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery, Ealing Green, London W5 5EQ. Price: from £9.90. Book now.
Brian Clarke: A Great Light
#FLODown: Newport Street Gallery presents an exhibition of works by renowned stained glass artist Brian Clarke. Presented by HENI, the exhibition celebrates Clarke's 70th year and showcases an extraordinary collection spanning from 2002 to the present. It highlights the versatility and creative possibilities of stained glass, featuring pieces like the graphically etched Stroud Ossuary and intimate Kabinettscheiben based on his latest collages and drawings. Clarke's earlier works, including vibrant folding screens and poignant leadworks, will also be on display. Known for pushing the boundaries of stained glass, Clarke's career has encompassed architectural installations worldwide, as well as exhibitions of paintings and drawings.
Date: until 24 September 2023. Location: Newport Street Gallery, 1 Newport Street, London, SE11 6AJ. Price: Free.
Civilization: The Way We Live Now
#FLODown: Saatchi Gallery presents Civilization: The Way We Live Now, an international exhibition showcasing 350 original prints by 150 renowned artists. Offering a unique perspective on humanity's rapidly changing collective life worldwide, the exhibition explores various aspects of civilization through eight thematic chapters. Curated by William A. Ewing and Holly Roussell, the exhibition features previously unseen images that highlight the complexity and contradictions of contemporary civilization. As a celebration of photography as a collective civilizational endeavour, the exhibition captures the way we live, work, and interact in today's world.
Date: 2 June – 17 September 2023. Location: Saatchi Gallery, Duke of York's HQ, King's Rd, Chelsea, London SW3 4RY. Price: from £16. Concessions available. Book now.
Sarah Sze : The Waiting Room
#FLODown: Sarah Sze has transformed a disused waiting room at Peckham Rye station in London with her site-specific sculptural work, Metronome. The exhibition, titled The Waiting Room, explores our relationship with images, time, and materiality. Sze's immersive installations integrate everyday materials, torn photographs, and videos. Metronome is a dynamic structure resembling a globe, illuminated by moving images from 42 projectors. It reflects the fragility of life and captures the speed of modern existence.
Date: 19 May – 17 September 2023. Location: The Waiting Room, Peckham Rye Station,SE15 4RX. Price: Free.
Nicolas Coleman and Xiao Wang
#FLODown: AM/PM continues its summer exhibition programme with two solo shows by Nicolas Coleman and Xiao Wang. Coleman's artwork showcases joyful and energetic scenes in luxuriously painted settings, exploring the complexities of our psychologies and responses to surroundings. Wang creates constructed scenes inspired by real-life settings, using dramatic colours and a realist approach to capture feelings of uncertainty and anxiety. His work reflects personal experiences as a Chinese immigrant, drawing from artistic movements and examining the collective psyche amidst rapid social changes.
Date: until 19 September 2023. Location: PM/AM, 37 Eastcastle Street, London W1W 8DR. Price: Free. Website: pmam.org
Tomás Saraceno: Web(s) of Life
#FLODown: Saraceno's UK solo exhibition explores interconnections between life forms, technology, and energy amidst the climate emergency. Highlights include spider-inspired research and a film on combating harmful lithium extraction. Interactive sculptures engage diverse species in Kensington Gardens, promoting a tech-free reconnection with nature.
Location: Serpentine North Gallery West Carriage Drive, London W2 2AR. Date: until 10 September 2023. Price: Free.
Ajamu: The Patron Saint of Darkrooms
#FLODown: Autogragh presents an exhibition by celebrated artist Ajamu, who has been a pioneering force in genderqueer photography for over 30 years. His work unapologetically celebrates black queer bodies, using sensuality and pleasure as activism. The Patron Saint of Darkrooms showcases evocative photographs, including self-portraits and depictions of lovers, portraying the lives and experiences of himself and his community. Ajamu's art challenges dominant ideas about masculinity, gender, and representation of black LGBTQ+ individuals in the UK. Through his powerful and liberating representations, Ajamu reshapes cultural norms and emphasises the significance of representation and visibility in art.
Date: 28 April – 2 September 2023. Location: Autograph, Rivington Pl, London EC2A 3BA. Price: Free. Website: autograph.org.uk.