The Top Exhibitions in London This Summer.

Summer is a fantastic time of year in London; it’s when the city blossoms and the art world comes alive. Throughout the next couple of months there is an amazing selection of temporary exhibitions taking place all over the capital. So, as a guide, I’ve put together a list of my top picks.

Royal Academy of Arts – Radical Geometry

Now – 28th Sept
The Radical Geometry: Modern Art of South America from the Patricia Phelps de Cisneros Collection highlights South America’s role in the modernist movement that took place in the mid 20th Century. You can expect to see colourful, bold work by the likes of Helio Oiticica and Juan Mele.

National Portrait Gallery – Virginia Woolf: Art, Life, and Vision

Now – 26th Oct
Virginia Woolf has had a huge impact on the art and literature world, and this exhibition celebrates exactly this. Showcasing over 100 works, including paintings by Grant and Vanessa Bell and photographs, this exhibition gives an intimate insight into Woolf’s life, art, and character.

Tate Modern – Kazimir Malevich

Now – 26th Oct
Malevich was at the forefront of Russian constructivism, and the exhibition at the Tate Modern features a number of his bold, geometric works.

Photographer’s Gallery – Lorenzo Vitturi and Early Colour Photography in Russia

1st Aug – 19th Oct
There’s a double whammy taking place at the Photographer’s Gallery this summer. Firstly, there’s the work of Lorenzo Vitturi who has snapped a series of photographs of the Ridley Road Market in London, where he manages to capture the diversity of the area. Secondly, there’s an exhibition of early colour photography from Russia which, as well as being a beautiful collection, also gives an insight in the societal changes in Russia during this time.

British Museum – Ancient Lives: New Discoveries

Now – 30th Nov
If you’re looking for an historical encounter, the British Museum is the place to go this summer. The Ancient Lives exhibition uncovers the past of mummification with interactive displays and 3D visualisations, forming the story of daily life in the Nile Valley over 4,000 years ago.

British Library – Comics Unmasked

Now – 19th Aug
If graphic arts and comics are your thing, then you’re in luck! The British Library is holding a lively, colourful exhibition of Comics, adeptly titled Art and Anarchy in the UK. Here you can explore the works of renowned comic artists, as well as see some original artwork by Gorillaz and Jamie Hewlett, which was created especially for the show.

Tate Britain – British Folk Art

Now – 7th Sept
It features paintings, sculptures, and textiles that are associated with Folk Art – a term that is extremely popular around the world, but less so in the UK.

The National Gallery – Architecture in Italian Renaissance Painting

Now – 21st Sept
This exhibition highlights an interesting aspect of  Italian Renaissance painting – the architecture, a theme that was extremely important amongst the likes of Botticello, Duccio, and Crivelli.

Tate Modern – Henri Matisse Cut-Outs

Now – 7th Sept
It’s simple but impressive, and a must-see if you’re into bright colours and bold shapes.

Hayward Gallery – Uses of the Figure in Contemporary Sculpture

Now – 31st August
The figure has been used a lot in the past in this medium, but The Human Factor will examine how it is being portrayed and represented in the modern day.

Saatchi Gallery – New Art from Africa and Latin America

Now – 2nd Nov
At one point Africa and Latin America were connected, creating one big land mass called Pangaea. Reuniting these two continents, the Pangaea exhibition brings together work from a number of popular contemporary artists from both sides of the Atlantic, drawing parallels between the two.

Victoria and Albert Museum – Posters of Protest and Revolution

Now – 2nd Nov
The V&A Museum never fails to disappoint with its eclectic and wildly varying range of temporary exhibitions. This time, it looks at the art of posters, in particular those that relate to protests and revolution in the well-named A World to Win exhibition.