Art exhibitions to see in London in March 2024
March is shaping up to be an exciting month for art enthusiasts in London, with a cool lineup of exhibitions to check out. From Soufiane Ababri's takeover of the Barbican Curve to a unique David Bowie exhibition housed in a chapel. The Royal Academy of Arts will present a retrospective of Angelica Kauffman's work, while the V&A invites visitors to delve into the fascinating world of Tropical Modernism in architecture. Additionally, the return of the Collect Art Fair will shine a spotlight on contemporary craft and design.
Here's our round up of some of the must-see exhibitions opening across the city this month. Click here for our full list of current exhibitions in London.
Acts of Resistance: Photography, Feminisms and the Art of Protest
Sethembile Msezane, Chapungu – The Day Rhodes Fell, 2015. Photo: Courtesy of the Artist.
#FLODown: Acts of Resistance, at the South London Gallery in collaboration with the V&A, showcasing international artists and collectives redefining protest photography. Works on display delves into feminism and activism, exploring themes of intersectionality and digital empowerment. Through works spanning the past decade, the exhibition addresses global issues such as violence against women, reproductive rights, and political dissent. Featuring renowned artists like Laia Abril, Nan Goldin, Mari Katayama, Teresa Margolles, Sethembile Msezane, Zanele Muholi, Wendy Red Star and Guerrilla Girls, Acts of Resistance offers an opportunity to confront contemporary challenges with bold creativity.
Date: 8 March – 9 June 2024. Location: South London Gallery, 65 Peckham Road, London, SE5 8UH. Price: Free. Website: southlondongallery.org.
Bamboo as Method by Zheng Bo
Bamboo as Method, 2018. Bamboo, paper, pencils, humans, and compost. (Photo by Erhan).
#FLODown: Hong Kong artist Zheng Bo's Bamboo as Method 格 is currently showcased at Somerset House's Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court, transforming the space into a serene bamboo garden. Visitors are encouraged to engage with the installation by drawing on selected bamboo leaves, which are later left to decompose, symbolising a cyclical interplay between creativity and ecology. Zheng Bo's aim is to prompt reflection on the wisdom nature offers when we take the time to slow down. The title pays homage to Ming Dynasty thinker Wang Yangming's pursuit of enlightenment through the study of natural phenomena.
Date: 22 February - 28 April 2024. Location: Somerset House, Strand, London, WC2R 1LA, United Kingdom. Price: Free. Website: somersethouse.org.uk.
Angelica Kauffman Retrospective
Angelica Kauffman, Self-portrait at the Crossroads between the Arts of Music and Painting, 1794. Oil on canvas, 147.3 x 215.9 cm. National Trust Collections (Nostell Priory, The St. Oswald Collection). Purchased by private treaty with the help of a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund 2002. Photo: © National Trust Images/John Hammond.
#FLODown: The Royal Academy of Arts will host an exhibition dedicated to the life and art of Angelica Kauffman. This major retrospective traces her journey from child prodigy to esteemed painter, showcasing her celebrity portraits and pioneering history paintings. Explore Kauffman's rise to fame in London, her pivotal role as a founding member of the Royal Academy, and her later career in Rome. Heralded as 'the most cultivated woman in Europe' by her contemporaries, this exhibition will help you discover why.
Date: 1 March – 30 June 2024. Location: Royal Academy of Arts, Burlington House, Piccadilly, London, W1J 0BD. Price: £17. Book now.
Soufiane Ababri
Soufiane Ababri © Noel Quintela.
#FLODown: Moroccan-born artist Soufiane Ababri is making his UK institutional solo debut by transforming the Barbican Curve with an exhibition that draws from his personal experiences and a variety of influences, including film, music, and history. Through his artwork, Ababri explores themes of identity and minority perspectives, particularly focusing on his experiences as a gay Arab man. Using drawings and performances, he navigates the intersections of Western and non-Western cultures, shedding light on marginalised narratives and challenging historical imbalances.
Date: 13 March —30 June 2024. Location: The Curve, Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London, EC2Y 8DS. Price: Free. Website: barbican.org.uk.
Tropical Modernism: Architecture and Independence
Unity Hall, KNUST, Kumasi by John Owuso Addo and Miro Marasović - film still from Tropical Modernism_ Architecture and Independence, © Victoria and Albert Museum, London.jpegUnity Hall, KNUST, Kumasi by John Owuso Addo and Miro Marasović.
#FLODown: Tropical Modernism: Architecture and Independence delves into the architectural style of Tropical Modernism pioneered by Maxwell Fry and Jane Drew in post-World War II West Africa and India. Initially introduced by the British Empire, this style, blending minimalism with solutions for tropical climates, was later embraced by newly independent nations as a symbol of progress and break from colonial culture. The exhibition at the V&A Museum explores how Tropical Modernism expressed newfound freedoms and shaped distinct identities in post-colonial societies.
Date: 2 March – 22 September 2024. Location: V&A Museum
Cromwell Road, London, SW7 2RL, United Kingdom. Price: from £14. Book now.
Enzo Mari: A Retrospective Celebration
Lo zoo di Enzo by Nanda Vigo. 2020. © Triennale Milano. Photo by Gianluca Di Ioia.
#FLODown: This major exhibition celebrates the extraordinary life and work of Enzo Mari, one of the most influential Italian designers of the 20th century. Recognised not only for his designs but also as an artist, teacher, and theorist, Mari's impact resonates across generations. The retrospective, originally premiered at Triennale Milano in 2020, spans six decades of Mari's career, showcasing his diverse creations including furniture, children's books, product design, and installations. With a focus on Mari's unwavering commitment to the social responsibility of design, the exhibition offers insight into his principles and research process through archival materials. Additionally, the museum will feature a complimentary display, presenting tributes from contemporary artists and designers, celebrating Mari's enduring legacy.
Date: 29 March – 8 September 2024. Location: Design Museum
224-238 Kensington High St, London W8 6AG. Price: from £16.33. Concessions available. Book now.
Jean-Marie Toulgouat: Gardening Giverny
Monet's Garden, Giverny. © Andrew Lawson.
#FLODown: Born in Giverny in 1927, Jean-Marie Toulgouat, great-grandson of Claude Monet, returned in the 1960s to restore Monet's gardens, crafting vibrant oil paintings of Giverny's landscapes. The exhibition Gardening Giverny displays Toulgouat's works alongside Andrew Lawson's archival garden photographs, offering a glimpse into the evolution of Monet's gardens, from inception to restoration.
Date: 13 March - 24 April 2024. Location: Garden Museum, 5 Lambeth Palace Rd, London SE1 7LB. Price: from £14. Concessions available. Book now.
Out Shopping: The Dresses of Maud and Marion Sambourne (1880-1910)
Marion Sambourne wearing Beaver fur jacket, c.1900 © Sambourne House, Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.
#FLODown: Out shopping: The dresses of Marion and Maud Sambourne (1880-1910) is a major exhibition highlighting the fashion journey of Victorian mother-daughter duo, Marion and Maud Sambourne. Featuring over 40 rare outfits and archival materials, the showcase offers insight into their shopping habits and the significance of fashion in their lives. The exhibition spans three spaces: the Verey Exhibition Gallery at Leighton House, the Tavolozza Drawings Gallery at Leighton House, and Sambourne House, providing an experience into dressmaking and early 20th-century shopping. Visitors can also explore the Sambourne family's life at their preserved home and enjoy a publication resembling late 19th-century fashion magazines.
Date: 23 March – 20 October 2024. Location: Leighton House and Sambourne House. Price: from £11, or from £20 for full access to Leighton House, Sambourne House, exhibition galleries, displays and documentary film. Concessions available. Book now.
Science EXHIBITION
Hello Brain!
The Crick Institute installs Hello Brain, a new exhibition running throughout 2024, exploring neuroscienctific research from the past to the present day. Fiona Hanson © Copyright 2024.
Hello Brain!, a science exhibition at the Francis Crick Institute, opens on 2 March, inviting you to explore the mysteries of the mind and the connections of the brain. From understanding sleep to exploring perception, discover what makes us unique. Conveniently located near Kings Cross St Pancras Station, this free, family-friendly exhibition offers insights into neuroscience research at the Crick Institute.
Date: 2 March – 7 December 2024. Location: Manby Gallery, the Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT. Price: Free. Website: crick.ac.uk.
Maja Djordjevic: HOPE AND REBIRTH
Maja Djordjevic, When It's Time You Might Not Want To Go, 2024, Oil and Enamel on Canvas, 130 x 250cm. Photography by Ben Westoby. Courtesy of Carl Kostyál and the Artist.
#FLODown: Belgrade-born artist Maja Djordjevic's second solo exhibition at Carl Kostyál gallery, titled HOPE AND REBIRTH, delves into themes of empathy, empowerment, and resilience in the face of societal turmoil. Djordjevic's evocative paintings feature the iconic figure of "My Girl," embodying hope and solidarity in various roles. The exhibition showcases intricate floral motifs like the Lily of the Valley and Water Lily, laden with cultural and symbolic meaning. HOPE AND REBIRTH prompts viewers to reflect on the potency of empathy and the enduring optimism for a better future.
Date: 23 February 2024 – 16 March 2024. Location: Carl Kostyál, 12A Savile Row, London W1S 3PQ. Price: Free. Website: kostyal.com.
Rachid Koraïchi: Celestial Blue
Rachid Koraïchi, Les ailes bleues des Anges, 2022. © Rachid Koraïchi and Factum Arte. Courtesy October Gallery and Factum Arte. Photo © Oak Taylor Smith.
#FLODown: October Gallery hosts Celestial Blue, a solo exhibition showcasing the latest works by artist Rachid Koraïchi. Born in Algeria, Koraïchi's diverse creations span various mediums including paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and textiles. Inspired by his fascination with symbols and the significance of the number 7, this exhibition marks his 77th year. The showcase features canvas works influenced by the poetry of Sufi mystic Ibn ‘Arabî, exploring themes of love and spirituality. Through his art, Koraïchi delves into the timeless message of tolerance, emphasising the relevance of ancient wisdom in contemporary society.
Date: 7 Mar 2024 – 13 Apr 2024. Location: October Gallery
24 Old Gloucester Street, Bloomsbury, London, WC1N 3AL. Price: Free. Website: octobergallery.co.uk.
The Other Art Fair
The Spark Between Layers. Naila Hazell
#FLODown: The Other Art Fair, presented by Saatchi Art, returns to The Truman Brewery in March, offering Londoners the chance to buy directly from 150+ independent artists. With a focus on inclusivity, the fair showcases diverse works and unique experiences, including a debut from the East London Strippers Collective and tarot readings by Purple Diamond Tarot. Celebrating International Women's Day, the fair highlights female artists exploring identity and empowerment. Proceeds from a curated hang will support Choose Love, a charity aiding refugees.
DDate: 7 - 10 March 2024. Location: The Truman Brewery, 85 Brick Lane, London, E1 6QR. Price: from £10.50. Book now.
David Bowie: A London Day
David Bowie © Kevin Davies 1992
#FLODown: David Bowie: A London Day presents an exhibition of photographs by Kevin Davies, capturing the iconic musician during a single day in 1992. Curated by Dylan Jones, this collection provides a rare insight into Bowie's life as he prepared for the release of his album Black Tie White Noise. Rediscovered after nearly 30 years, the exhibition showcases 20 carefully selected images, highlighting Bowie's timeless presence and meticulous attention to detail. Set in the exquisite Fitzrovia Chapel, this exhibition will offer a tranquil experience.
Date: 1 – 20 March 2024. Location: The Fitzrovia Chapel
2 Pearson Square, Fitzrovia, London, W1T 3BF, United Kingdom
Price: Free. Website: fitzroviachapel.org.
Collect 2024
Objekti display at Collect 2023. Photo by David Parry PA Media.
#FLODown: Returning to Somerset House for its 20th edition, Collect 2024, presented by Crafts Council, remains the premier international fair for contemporary craft and design. From 29 February - 3 March, visitors can explore and purchase museum-quality handcrafted artworks priced between £500 and £50,000. With over 400 artists represented by specialist galleries, dealers, and collectives worldwide, the fair showcases a range of creations crafted from traditional and non-traditional materials. Whether you're a seasoned collector or new to the scene, it's a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the best of contemporary craftsmanship and creativity.
Date: 29 February - 3 March 2024. Location: Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 1LA. Price: from £27. Book now.
Francesca Woodman and Julia Margaret Cameron: Portraits to Dream In
Polka Dots #5, Providence, Rhode Island, 1976 by Francesca Woodman, Gelatin silver print, courtesy Woodman Family Foundation © Woodman Family Foundation / DACS, London
#FLODown: Francesca Woodman and Julia Margaret Cameron: Portraits to Dream In will celebrate the visionary contributions of these two influential women in the history of photography. With over 160 rare vintage prints on display, the showcase spans the careers of both artists, offering viewers new perspectives on their innovative approaches to portraiture while also reflecting on the evolution of photographic portraiture in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Date: 21 March 2024 – 16 June 2024. Location: National Portrait Gallery, St. Martin's Place, London, WC2H 0HE. Price: £8.50 / £9.50 with donation. Book now.
Cristina de Miguel: Dissolving
Cristina de Miguel's debut solo exhibition opens at Almine Rech London on 29 February 2024.
#FLODown: Cristina de Miguel's debut solo exhibition at Almine Rech London showcases thrilling and risky painterly feats. Her art, both fun and uncanny, defies simple explanation, characterised by fluid forms and daring techniques. Using acrylics on wet surfaces, her work evokes emotive distortions reminiscent of swimming and dissolving. It invites viewers to embrace uncertainty and find joy in exploration, defying narrative constraints and celebrating the mutability of experience.
Date: 29 February - 6 April 2024. Location: Almine Rech,Broadbent House, Grosvenor Hill, London W1K 3JH. Price: Free.
THE HUDSONS, Family Ties
THE HUDSONS, Family Ties at Claridge’s ArtSpace.
#FLODown: The HUDSONS, Family Ties at Claridge’s ArtSpace is a groundbreaking exhibition featuring British artists Richard, Richard WM, and Henry Hudson, united not only by their shared fascination with nature but also by familial bonds as father and sons. Curated by Mollie Dent-Brocklehurst, the showcase highlights their diverse artistic practices, inviting contemplation on nature's complexities. Coinciding with the exhibition, Richard Hudson's monumental sculptures will be displayed throughout Claridge's iconic hotel lobby.
Date: 31 January – 14 April 2024. Location: Claridge's ArtSpace, Brook St, London W1K 4HR. Price: Free. Website: claridges.co.uk.
Women’s Day Auction
Eight female curators unveil mini auctions featuring postcard-sized artworks from emerging and established artists. On show at Bomb Factory until 12 March 2024.
#FLODown: Art On a Postcard's fifth International Women’s Day Auction commemorates ten years of impactful small art. Eight female curators unveil mini auctions featuring postcard-sized artworks from emerging and established artists. The auction spans two weeks and marks AOAP's decade-long commitment to charitable causes. Proceeds from the auction will support The Hepatitis C Trust's initiatives specifically supporting the work they do with women affected by the criminal justice system, both in prison and local communities. Bidding will start at £50 online.
Auction: 27 February – 12 March 2024 via The Auction Collective. Location: Bomb Factory Long Acre Covent Garden, London WC2.
Global cinema platform MUBI and intersectional feminist publication Polyester kicked off Halloween week with a hauntingly glamorous launch event for the much-anticipated body-horror film The Substance at The Standard.