London is a melting pot of creativity and for centuries has attracted artists, writers and musicians. Whether an artist hails from the capital city or was inspired by the ancient streets, the best art shows and exhibitions are drawn to London, which has some of the oldest museums and art galleries in the world. There is so much on offer it can be overwhelming to know where to start. We’ve rounded up the best exhibitions currently on display that span works from across the world, decades and mediums, from the traditional to the contemporary, from artefacts to paintings; there is something for everyone, no matter your taste, which is why the London art scene continues to flourish and attracts people from all around the world.
David Hockney, Drawings From Life, National Portrait Gallery ( until 21-Jan-2024 )
David Hockney is worshipped worldwide for his iconic paintings, bold opinions and unique style (he met King Charles III in a pair of yellow Crocs). Now, after the show was only initially on display for two weeks before the world went into lockdown, hordes of crowds are delighted that they can once more see his incredible paintings in London. The exhibition contains Hockney’s work spanning six decades and includes portraits of five sitters including his mother, Harry Styles and the artist himself. The artworks were created in his studio in Normandy and used a range of materials to depict the sitters.
Diva Exhibition, Victoria and Albert Museum ( until 07-Apr-2024 )
The Victoria and Albert Museum is celebrating the greatest Divas of all time with its exhibition that honours the power, ambition and accomplishments of some of the world's greatest performers. Marilyn Monroe, Elton John, Prince and Lady Gaga are some of the many impressive names who have some of their costumes on display. The exhibition also includes song lyrics and personal items. Arguably the most glamorous exhibition in all of London, it is certainly worth a visit before it closes in April 2024.
Infinity Mirror Rooms, Ayoi Kusama, Tate Modern ( until 28-April-2024 )
The Japanese artist and writer Yayoi Kusama’s dazzling installation has been a stellar success for the Tate Modern and upon entry it’s easy to see why. Surrounded by mirrors, lights and seemingly endless reflections you are transported into an alternate universe away from London and into a galaxy far away. The exhibition is inspired by Kusama’s visual hallucinations which she has harnessed into a phenomenal work of art. The lights change and pulsate before plunging into darkness which Kusama has curated to give a sense of the incomprehensibility of infinite space.
Holbein at the Tudor Court, Buckingham Palace ( until 14-Apr-2024 )
There is no better place to soak up royal history than Buckingham Palace. This winter, a major exhibition of Hans Holbein’s work is on display in the Queen’s Gallery, depicting over one hundred works from the court of Henry VIII. The collection depicts the journey from a lowly artist to being the king’s painter. It includes portraits of members of the Tudor royal family, churchmen, writers and senior figures in the royal court.
Capturing the Moment, Tate Modern ( until 28-Jan-2024 )
Capturing the Moment explores the relationship between traditional methods of art and photography; it seeks to uncover how the medium of photography has changed how we create and consume art. It is rare to find an exhibition where such phenomenal artists are housed together: Salman Toor (work pictured), David Hockney, Andy Warhol and Lucien Freud are all featured in this exhibition, making it well worth a visit.
