What's on in London this week: 19 – 25 February 2024
Discover our pick of events in London this week: 19 – 25 February 2024.
Bamboo as Method by Zheng Bo
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.
Bamboo as Method, 2018. Bamboo, paper, pencils, humans, and compost. Photo by Erhan.
Champagne tasting at Lore of the Land
Enjoy champagne tasting at Guy Ritchie's Fitzrovia establishment, Lore of the Land, paired with a delightful dinner menu. Explore the art of champagne-making and discover the nuances of different varieties guided by a knowledgeable sommelier. Whether you're a seasoned champagne connoisseur or simply looking for a fun night out, this event promises to be a sparkling experience in a charming and cosy atmosphere.
Date: 22 February 2024. Time: 7 pm. Location: Lore of the Land, 4 Conway Street London W1T 6BB.Price: £90. Book now.
Patricia Kopatchinskaja: Dies Irae
In a poignant response to climate change, violinist Kopatchinskaja leads a performance evoking humanity's final day on earth. Through a repertoire ranging from furious to impassioned, including Galina Ustwolskaja’s Dies Irae, the performance prompts reflection on our collective fate. Originally showcased at COP26, Dies Irae serves as a powerful signal of humanity's end. Joined by the Aurora Orchestra, Kopatchinskaja invites audiences to join the fight for our planet's future through music, video projections, and theatrical staging.
Date: 21 February 2024. Time: 7.30pm. Location: Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX. Price: £15 – £52.50. Book now.
Patricia Kopatchinskaja. ©Julia Wesely
In conversation with The White Company’s Sleep expert
Join The White Company for an enlightening evening with Dr. Sophie Bostock, renowned as the Sleep Evangelist. In conversation with journalist Marianne Jones, Dr. Bostock will unveil the secrets to sounder sleep. This intimate event includes personalised insights, a sleep-themed goodie bag, and refreshments.
Date: 22 February 2024. Time: 7pm. Location: The White Company, 4 Symons Street London SW3 2TJ. Price: £20. Book now.
Final week to see Battersea Light Festival
Battersea Power Station's annual free Light Festival is coming to an end this week. Featuring seven installations by British and international artists, including some making their UK debut. From a giant diamond to illuminated butterflies and a playable light piano, these installations offer a brilliant visual experience with accompanying soundscapes and interactive elements.
Date: 25 January - 25 February 2024. Time: 8am - 11pm. Location: Battersea Power Station. Click here for more.
Discover the essence of Barolo at Petersham Nurseries wine tasting and lunch.
Barolo Parusso Wine Tasting and Lunch at Petersham Nurseries
Discover the essence of Barolo, renowned for its powerful and long-lived wines crafted from Nebbiolo grapes. Dive into the world of Barolo 'crus' from Parusso, a revered family-run estate committed to crafting authentic wines. Sample offerings from renowned vineyards such as Bussia, Mosconi, and Mariondino, each eloquently expressing its unique terroir. Indulge in a tasty four-course meal by Petersham Nurseries, perfectly complemented with expertly paired wines. It's a chance to immerse yourself in Barolo's rich diversity within a relaxed setting tailored for wine enthusiasts.
Date: 23 February 2024. Time: Noon. Date: Petersham Nurseries, Church Lane Off Petersham Road Richmond TW10 7AB. Price: £120. Book now.
Collage Club at Bermonds Locke
Wrap up your day with some cutting and sticking at Collage Club 2024! Join in for a relaxed workshop led by Steph Hartman, founder of Collage Club LDN. It's open to everyone, whether they're new to collage or rediscovering a passion for it. The session includes fun challenges, collaborative activities, and the chance to create themed compositions using quality materials. No experience necessary—just bring along some drinks and snacks for a laid-back evening of creativity.
Date: 21 February 2023. Time: 7 pm. Location: Bermonds Locke, Tower Bridge, 157 Tower Bridge Road London SE1 3LW. Price: £16. Book now.
Jeremy Denk to preform at Wigmore Hall. Photo by Markus Gjengaar.
Jeremy Denk at Wigmore Hall
Renowned American pianist Jeremy Denk, acclaimed winner of prestigious awards including the MacArthur "Genius" Fellowship and the Avery Fisher Prize, will perform at Wigmore Hall this week. The concert, spanning approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes with an interval, promises an evening of exceptional music. Denk's mastery as a pianist and interpreter, particularly noted in his acclaimed recordings of Bach's partitas, continues to garner praise for his intelligence, character, technical control, and tonal richness.
Date: 24 February 2024. Time: 7.30pm. Location: Wigmore Hall, 36 Wigmore St, London W1U 2BP. Price: £18 - £40. Book now.
An evening dedicated to showcasing emerging talent at Brixton's iconic Ritzy Cinema and Cafe will take place this week.
New Work at the Ritzy: A Scratch Night
New Writing at the Ritzy: A Scratch Night – an evening dedicated to showcasing emerging talent at Brixton's iconic Ritzy Cinema takes place this week. Attendees are invited to experience innovative works from eight London-based writers, inspired by Tennessee Williams' iconic line: 'I don't want realism. I want magic!' Witness inspiring pieces performed live by professional actors, followed by a brief Q&A session to shape the evolution of these emerging stories.
Date: 22 February 2024. Time: 7pm. Location: Ritzy Cinema and Café, Coldharbour Lane, London, UK, Coldharbour Lane London SW2 1JG. Price: £5. Book now.
Matcha Masterclass at Chiltern Street Deli
Calling all matcha fans! Chiltern Street Deli is hosting a Matcha Masterclass with SAYURI Teas. Dive into the world of Japanese green tea and organic matcha with SAYURI, endorsed by Michelin chefs and luxury hotels. Led by founder Yureeka Yasuda, a certified tea sommelier, learn about the rich history, philosophy, and production of matcha, and master the art of preparation. Indulge in matcha latte, cocktails, pastries, and nibbles while discovering the health benefits and cultural significance of matcha. Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your matcha game!
Date: 19 February 2024. Time: 5pm. Location: Chiltern Street Deli, 27 Chiltern Street London W1U 7PJ. Price: £50. Book now.
The Hill Garden & Pergola. Photo by Nicolas Lysandrou
Paint Hampstead
Explore the Paint Hampstead Landscape every Wednesday guided by artist mentor Estelle Lovatt. Participants delve into techniques inspired by artists like Constable and Romney, painting en plein air at Kenwood House. With personalised 1:2:1 tuition, limited to six participants, it's a chance to capture Hampstead's essence. Bring your materials for this inspiring experience, rain or shine.
Date: 21 February 2024. Location: Kenwood House, Hampstead Lane London NW3 7JR. Price: £40. Book now.
Arts & Culture
opening this week
Café Royal Books
Opening this week at The Photographers’ Gallery, Café Royal Books presents over 600 issues of affordable weekly publications showcasing post-war documentary photography. Visitors can explore a curated selection of around 250 titles, capturing everyday scenes across the UK's cities. Founded by Craig Atkinson in 2005, Café Royal Books aims to make photography accessible and authentic, documenting cultural and social changes in Britain and Ireland. Featuring renowned photographers like Daniel Meadows and Martin Parr, the display offers a glimpse into Café Royal Books' ethos: 'somewhere between craft and punk'. Selected Café Royal Books will be available for purchase at The Photographers’ Gallery bookshop.
Date: 23 February – 2 June 2024. Location: The Photographers' Gallery, 16-18 Ramillies St, London W1F 7LW. Price: Advance Booking Online: £6.50 On the door: £8. Concessions available. Book now.
From Being British 1975-2005 © Barry Lewis.
The Time is Always Now: Artists Reframe the Black Figure
This exhibition, curated by Ekow Eshun, presents a comprehensive exploration of the representation of the Black figure in contemporary art. Featuring renowned artists from the African diaspora such as Michael Armitage, Lubaina Himid, and Kerry James Marshall, the showcase aims to illuminate the depth and diversity of Black life through the use of figures. In addition to surveying the historical presence and absence of the Black figure in Western art, the exhibition delves into the social, psychological, and cultural contexts that inform these works. With a roster of leading artists including Njideka Akunyili Crosby, Jordan Casteel, and Amy Sherald, this exhibition offers a profound examination of representation and identity in modern art.
Date: 22 February – 19 May 2024. Location: National Portrait Gallery, St. Martin's Place, London, WC2H 0HE. Price: £16 / £18 with donation. Book now.
Bert Hardy: Photojournalism in War and Peace
Explore the remarkable career of London-born photographer Bert Hardy (1913-1995, UK), renowned for his groundbreaking work as chief photographer for Picture Post magazine. From his humble beginnings in Blackfriars to his self-taught journey and roles as a combat and advertising photographer, Hardy's impact on press and documentary photography is undeniable. This retrospective delves into key moments of his career, including his service in the Army Film and Photographic Unit during World War II and his extensive social documentary work across mid-century Britain and postwar Europe. Discover historic photographs from Picture Post, as well as lesser-known colour work and materials from Hardy's archive, now held by Cardiff University, showcasing his lasting legacy in the photography world.
Date: 23 Feb 2024 – 2 Jun 2024. Location:16-18 Ramillies Street, London W1F7LW. Price: Advance booking Online: £6.50 On the door: £8. Concessions available. Book now.
Photo by Bert Hardy:Picture Post:Hulton Archive:Getty Images.
Thea Djordjadze: Framing Yours Making Mine
Experience Thea Djordjadze's sculptural environments at Sprüth Magers, blending architectural language and Georgian heritage to explore institutional presentation modes. With site-specific reinterpretations and new works, Djordjadze's exhibition offers a unique engagement with art.
Date: 23 February – 28 March 2024. Location:7A Grafton St, London W1S 4EL. Price: Free.
Journey of the Mind
"Journey of the Mind" is a touring exhibition by arts organisation Without Shape Without Form (WSWF), opening at Cromwell Place this week.The exhibition brings Sikh wisdom to contemporary audiences, exploring the internal journey of the mind. Through figurative drawings, digitally created paintings by Kanwar Singh, and short films by Christian Wood, the exhibition depict stories of spiritual attainment.
Date: 21 February - 3 March 2024. Location: 4 Cromwell Pl, South Kensington, London SW7 2JE. Price: Free. Website: withoutshapewithoutform.com.
Journey of the Mind, a touring exhibition by arts organisation Without Shape Without Form (WSWF) opens at Cromwell Place this week.
Deutsche Börse Photography Foundation Prize 2024
Explore diverse photographic perspectives by international artists VALIE EXPORT, Gauri Gill & Rajesh Vangad, Lebohang Kganye, and Hrair Sarkissian at the exhibition showcasing radical performances and collaborative explorations. The winner of the £30,000 prize will be announced on 16 May 2024.
Date: 23 February – 2 June 2024. Location: The Photographers' Gallery, 16-18 Ramillies St, London W1F 7LW. Price: Advance Booking Online: £6.50. On the door: £8. Concession available. Book now.
Peter Blake: Sculpture and Other Matters
Dive into Peter Blake's sculptural world at Waddington Custot, exploring mundane objects elevated to art status across six decades. The interactive exhibition reflects Blake's playful approach to art, inviting viewers to piece together narratives.
Date: 20 February - 13 April 2024. Location: Waddington Custot, 11 Cork St, Mayfair, London W1S 3LT. Price: Free.
Joshua Leon, Research image (2024). Commissioned and produced by Chisenhale Gallery, London. Courtesy of the artist.
Joshua Leon: The Missing O and E
The Missing O and E by London-based artist Joshua Leon is a debut solo exhibition exploring Jewish life through sculpture and sound. Leon's installation, featuring stained letters on Chisenhale's building windows, restores forgotten histories. Using materials like glass and veneer, Leon delves into questions of appearance and disappearance. Ten wall-mounted frames crafted from salvaged veneer contemplate the significance of names, while a single speaker amplifies hidden voices within Edward Elgar's Enigma Variations.
Date: 23 February 2024 – 21 April 2024. Location: Chisenhale Gallery, 64 Chisenhale Rd, London E3 5QZ. Price: Free.
#FLOFAVOURITES: THIS WEEK
Erwin Wurm: Surrogates
Thaddaeus Ropac presents Erwin Wurm's new sculptures challenging traditional distinctions. Running concurrently with Wurm's major survey at Yorkshire Sculpture Park, the exhibition showcases painted metal, epoxy resin sculptures, and developments in One Minute Sculptures.
Date: 15 February - 14 April 2024. Location: Galerie Thaddaeus Ropac, 37 Dover St, Mayfair, London W1S 4NJ. Price: Free.
Niger-Delta / Future-Cosmos by Wilfred Ukpong at Autograph Gallery. Photo by MTotoe
Wilfred Ukpong: Niger-Delta / Future-Cosmos
Artist Wilfred Ukpong employs Afrofuturism and mysticism to create poignant reflections on the environmental crisis in the Niger Delta, drawing from historical archives, ecology politics, and indigenous environmentalism. Rooted in the Niger Delta, once a vital palm oil producer for British colonisers, Ukpong's pieces engage with the area's rich biodiversity and its current struggles against pollution caused by oil industry activities. Collaborating with local youth, Ukpong's art, including photography and film, integrates traditional rituals and symbols to construct a futuristic narrative highlighting the urgent need to confront the damaging effects of resource extraction on both people and the environment.
Date: 16 February – 1 June 2024. Location: Autograph, Rivington Pl, London EC2A 3BA. Price: Free. Website: autograph.org.uk.
Uman. Darling sweetie, sweetie darling
Uman's first exhibition at Hauser & Wirth, in partnership with Nicola Vassell Gallery, NY, showcases her colourful and deeply personal artwork, influenced by her childhood in East Africa. Drawing from her experiences and education in Arabic calligraphy, her paintings blend abstraction and figuration to explore themes of identity and spirituality. The exhibition offers a glimpse into Uman's rich cultural background and artistic journey.
Date: 30 January – 30 March 2024. Location: Hauser & Wirth London, 23 Savile Row, London W1S 2ET. Price: Free.
Temenos on display at Hales Gallery is the debut solo exhibition of British artist Rob Lyon. Photo by MTotoe.
Rob Lyon: Temenos
Hales Gallery displays the debut solo exhibition of British artist Rob Lyon. Lyon, self-taught and rooted in Sussex, draws inspiration from the landscape of his childhood, crafting imagined compositions rich in symbolism. His paintings, informed by his background in music, blend control and expression, featuring elements like trees and burial mounds arranged in intricate patterns. The title Temenos alludes to sacred land demarcation and psychological exploration, reflecting Lyon's themes of transformation and rebirth. Expanding on Paul Nash's concept of 'genius loci,' Lyon contemplates the interaction between visitors and landscapes, exploring themes of grief, loss, joy, and ecstasy.
Date: 2 February - 16 March 2024. Location: Hales Gallery, Tea Building, 7 Bethnal Grn Rd, London E1 6LA. Price: Free. Website: halesgallery.com.
SHINE ON
The exhibition SHINE ON at Sadie Coles is inspired by Alex Da Corte's Cel Painting series, specifically referencing his work The Last House on The Left. The show features sculptural lights by various artists, exploring the multifaceted nature of lamps as functional objects and artworks. From playful mood enhancers to conceptual pieces, the exhibition includes works by renowned artists such as Cerith Wyn Evans, Urs Fischer, and Isa Genzken, among others. Each artwork offers a unique perspective on light and its significance, ranging from symbolic representations to experimental forms.
Date: 15 February - 27 April 2024.Location: Sadie Coles HQ1 Davies Street W1. Price: Free.
SHINE ON, on show at Sadie Coles Davies Street. Photo by MTotoe.
Love-in-a-Mist : Alice Kemp and Yuichiro Kikuma
Love-in-a-Mist at IONE & MANN presents the debut dialogue exhibition of London artists Alice Kemp and Yuichiro Kikuma. Their abstracted works explore nature's intricacies, with Alice capturing the passage of time through gestural paintings, and Yuichiro adding vibrancy and mystery using found objects and Frottage. Despite their distinct styles, their pieces form a cohesive whole, reflecting their shared fascination with the natural world.
Date: 9 February - 9 March 2024. Location: IONE & MANN 1st Floor, 6 Conduit Street, London W1S 2XE. Price: Free. Website: ioneandmann.com.
Wendell Castle: Suspended Disbelief
Suspended Disbelief at Carpenters Workshop Gallery features Wendell Castle's innovative blend of sculpture and design, showcasing works from 2011 to 2015. Using digital techniques like 3D modelling and stack lamination, Castle creates fluid, organic forms that challenge traditional furniture norms. From gravity-defying structures to anthropomorphic designs like Keeping Promises, Castle's pieces reflect his commitment to pushing artistic boundaries. The exhibition offers a glimpse into Castle's evolution as an artist and his lasting impact on contemporary design.
Date: 9 February - 27 April 2024. Location: Ladbroke Hall, 79 Barlby Road W10. Price: Free. Website: carpentersworkshopgallery.com.
Suspended Disbelief by Wendell Castle at Carpenters Workshop Gallery. Photo by MTotoe.
Woodworks
LAMB Gallery presents Woodworks, a group exhibition exploring wood in contemporary art. Seventeen artists engage with wood across painting, sculpture, and installation, drawing inspiration from art history, religion, and nature. From Joe Tilson's vibrant wooden reliefs to Edmund de Waal's porcelain-infused paintings on wood panels, the exhibition showcases diverse approaches to utilising wood.
Date: 18 January - 2 March 2024. Location: LAMB, 32 St George St, London W1S 2FJ. Price: Free.
Turps Takeover 2
The second edition of Turps Takeover is currently exhibiting works by Marco Arias, Jesus Crespo, Lucienne O'Mara, Jeremy Scott, and Noemi Conan at Taplow House, London SE17. This programme offers selected painters a year-long residency, including mentoring, seminars, and critiques. Led by Phillip Allen, it emphasises artistic development over market pressures, providing a supportive environment for experimentation.
Date: 15 - 24 February 2024. Location: Enclave 4, 50 Resolution Way, London, England, SE8 4RS. Price: Free.
#FLOFavourites: Pick of the Week
FREE EVENTS OF THE WEEK
V&A Friday Late x Nicholas Daley: Fabric and Folklore
This Friday, head to the V&A South Kensington for Friday Late x Nicholas Daley: Fabric and Folklore. This event will explore the intersection of fabric and folklore through performances, installations, talks, and workshops. Curated by London-based fashion designer Nicholas Daley, the evening celebrates global diaspora artists, musicians, and creatives, exploring British textile history and the cultural exchange through craft. Admission is free, so drop in and be part of this enriching experience.
Date: 23 February 2024. Time: 6.30pm - 10pm. Location: V&A South Kensington Cromwell Rd, London SW7 2RL.
This weeks Friday Lates at the V&A will be curated by London-based fashion designer Nicholas Daley.
Art News
London’s first Taiwan Festival to open in Notting Hill
London's Coronet Theatre presents inaugural Taiwan Festival, showcasing over 30 Taiwanese artists in a 15-day extravaganza of visual arts, dance, music, and immersive experiences.
Click here to discover more.
Fish Trap House. Cheng Tsung FENG.
Food of the week
The Rex Delicatessen
The Rex Delicatessen is a charming new deli located just a short walk from Berkeley Square in Bruton Place. Set within a beautifully restored Grade II listed Victorian stable, its chic interior maintains many original features. They offer a delightful selection of pastries, cakes, pies, Wellingtons, and daily sandwiches for lunch. In the evenings, it transforms into a cosy spot for a glass of wine paired with small plates. Definitely one of our favourite finds this month!
Location: 38 Bruton Pl, London W1J 6NX. Website: therexdeli.com. Instagram: @therexdeli.
The Rex Delicatessen. Photo by MTotoe.
Cause of the week
Our Streets Now
Our Streets Now began as a youth-led movement aiming to combat Public Sexual Harassment (PSH) in the UK through cultural and legislative shifts. Evolving alongside the movement, they've grown into an unapologetically intersectional network of women, girls, and individuals of marginalised genders, united against PSH. Click here to learn more about how you can get involved.
Website: ourstreetsnow.org. Instagram: @ourstreetsnow.
Upcoming events
Collect Art Fair 2024
Collect 2023 at Somerset House. Photo by David Parry PA Media.
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 diverse 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.
As ski season kicks off, resorts like St. Moritz, Gstaad, Courchevel, Aspen, Whistler, and Verbier are becoming vibrant cultural destinations. Beyond world-class slopes, these hotspots offer a range of art exhibitions and outdoor sculptures. This guide highlights the must-see art exhibitions this winter across Europe, the US, and Japan…