Your Art Exhibitions Mood Guide | July London Edition

With a long summer stretching out in front of us and lessening restrictions, it can feel overwhelming knowing where to start when it comes to making plans, particularly to booking gallery visits. Here at Artscapy we’re eager to help you decide which exhibitions are worth making that summer pilgrimage to. Our time is precious and whether this past year has lit a fire inside you, or has encouraged you to slow down, we have exhibition recommendations to suit.

Intriguing Mood

John Akomfrah: The Unintended Beauty of Disaster

Lisson Gallery | 13 April – 31 July 2021

The mood of protest is inherent in the work of John Akomfrah: his current exhibition at Lisson Gallery features new video and photo-text work, which directly respond to most important events and changes in 2020. Exploring the cultural complexities of the Black Lives Matter protests and the threat of environmental and ecological collapse, Akomfrah’s practice compels us to reflect on our collective identities and the impact we are having on our planet. Akomfrah illuminates critical issues across our timelines, in the ultimate hope of inspiring an better future.

Nostalgic Mood

Walter Price – Pearl Lines

Camden Art Centre | 21 May - 29 August 2021

Do you remember the simplicity of motifs within your drawings as a kid? Walter Price’s work truly brings out that nostalgic feeling. This exhibition at Camden Art Centre follows his residency at the institution during 2020 and demonstrates the experimental body of work created during that time.

“Pearl Lines” is an exhibition that analyses the bridge between abstraction and figuration within a domestic landscape, through the incorporation of familiar motifs such as palm trees and sofas. Price has a strong, assured and controlled mark-making identity and that really invites the viewer to explore the narrative of the abstract lines. Adding to that, this exhibition is a colourful and vibrant start to your Saturday gallery-crawl!

Inquisitive Mood

Yayoi Kusama: I Want Your Tears to Flow with the Words I Wrote

Victoria Miro | 4 June – 31 July 2021

Flamboyant colours, intricate forms, expressive shape and line; Yayoi Kusama’s exhibition at Victoria Miro is sure to pique your curiosity. Obsessively detailed, Kusama’s practice is characterised by colourful, almost vibrating patterns.

This will be her thirteenth solo exhibition with the gallery and whether it’s your first, or your thirteenth time seeing Kusama’s work, we have no doubt that her vibrant My Eternal Soul series, painted soft sculptures and well-known pumpkins will fascinate and delight.

Kusama’s hypnotising use of pattern is intriguing; her tactile use of colour is sure to interest those of you in an inquisitive mood, with her multitude of textures ensuring a captivating visit.

Sheila Hicks: Music To My Eyes

Alison Jacques | 4 June – 31 July 2021

Thousands of threads blend together in an ombre of sublime oranges and sunshine yellows, a simile for a glowing cornfield in the warm afternoon sun. Lianes Colsa, 2020 (pictured above) currently hangs on the wall of Alison Jacques Gallery, as part of their new exhibition, Sheila Hicks: Music to My Eyes.

The reference of music in the show’s title, and the almost lyrical texture of the piece, allude to the exhibition’s rhythm and tone. The vertical threads wash the wall with pigment; clean yet deeply addictive. The vivacity of the work is sure to draw you in.

The Nebraska-born, Paris-based artist has been fixated by colour her entire life, with Music To My Eyes identifying this near-obsession. Colour and texture collide in a crescendo of lyrical artistry, ensuring an uplifting and hopeful visit to Alison Jacques this summer for any visitor.

Are you visiting any of these exhibitions? We sure would love to see your pictures! At Artscapy you can share your favourite art findings with our community- just like any other social platform but ONLY for art. Tag us along with the hashtag #ArtscapyLondon if you visit any of these great exhibitions!