7 Must-See London Exhibitions This Autumn 2023

London’s autumn art displays are truly remarkable, offering a rich tapestry of subjects. Dive into exclusive collaborations and thought-provoking exhibits covering diverse topics such as climate change and the allure of beauty. Don’t miss the chance to witness the vibrant art scene in the city’s galleries and museums.

On Foot

Offer Waterman

18 September – 28 October

Step into the world of Jonathan Anderson, the creative force behind London’s JW Anderson fashion label and the mind behind Loewe’s designs. Experience “On Foot,” a curated exhibit at Offer Waterman, where pieces from Anderson’s recent collections mingle with iconic works of modern British art. The gallery transforms into a stroll through London, guiding you from Mayfair to Soho, mirroring the journey from the gallery to the JW Anderson store. Every nook, from corridors to storerooms, captures the city’s essence. Collaborating with artist Anthea Hamilton, JW Anderson unveils a limited-edition pigeon clutch, an exclusive gem available at the gallery and the JW Anderson Soho store.

waterman.co.uk

Nicole Eisenman: What Happened

Whitechapel Gallery

11 October – 14 January

Explore the artistic world of Nicole Eisenman, a French-born American creative known for her captivating oil paintings and sculptures. “Nicole Eisenman: What Happened” brings together a collection of 100 works spanning three decades, showcasing not only her monumental canvases and sculptures but also monoprints, animation, and drawings. The exhibition goes beyond revealing her artistic journey’s sheer breadth and ingenuity; it also shines a light on her distinctive ability to delve into pressing socio-political issues with a touch of humor. Gender and identity, the upheaval in US governance, the impact of technology – Eisenman addresses it all in this thought-provoking display of her talent.

whitechapelgallery.org

Frans Hals

National Gallery

30 September – 21 January

You’re in for a treat when you step into the Credit Suisse exhibition at the NPG. It’s the first big look at Frans Hals in over thirty years, and it’s a must-see art event in London this fall. This exhibition brings together 50 of Hals’ best pieces, including the iconic The Laughing Cavalier (1624), on loan for the first time from the Wallace Collection. From his smaller paintings to large group portraits, this blockbuster showcases Hals as a truly talented and innovative artist. What sets him apart is his unique portrayal of subjects—relaxed, smiling, even laughing—something quite unheard of during his time.

nationalgallery.org.uk

Turner and Bonington

The Wallace Collection

20 September – 21 April

Step into the world of Turner and Bonington, a captivating exhibit featuring watercolour landscapes by J.M.W. Turner (1775-1851) and Richard Parkes Bonington (1802-1828). This one-room display presents ten remarkable works, a rare treat as they haven’t been showcased for 17 years. Turner contributes four views of picturesque Yorkshire, while Bonington captures the essence of Normandy and Venice in five evocative depictions. As you explore the exhibit, you’ll embark on a delightful journey, moving from the serene Yorkshire Dales and the shores of Scarborough Beach to the majestic canals of Venice and the Gothic splendor of Rouen Cathedral.

wallacecollection.org

Georg Baselitz: Sculptures 2011 – 2105

Serpentine Galleries

5 October – 7 January

Serpentine Gallery proudly unveils the latest installment in its remarkable sculpture series – a solo exhibition featuring the works of the renowned German artist Georg Baselitz. Titled “Georg Baselitz: Sculptures 2011 – 2105,” this exhibition marks a significant milestone in Baselitz’s 60-year artistic journey.

While Baselitz is widely celebrated for his prowess as a painter, sculptor, and graphic artist, it was in the 1980s that he ventured into the realm of sculpture. His exploration of the interplay between figurative and abstract art comes to life through intricately carved wooden figures and body parts, a departure from his earlier focus. Serpentine Gallery is set to showcase ten of Baselitz’s sculptures, never before seen by the public, each meticulously carved from a single tree trunk.

The exhibition goes beyond three-dimensional art, offering visitors a glimpse into Baselitz’s creative process with over 60 related drawings in pencil, pen, and ink. As a grand finale, the Royal Park will host the debut of the monumental nine-meter-tall sculpture titled “Zero Dom” (Zero Dome), a spectacle never witnessed before in the UK. This promises to be a unique and captivating experience, inviting art enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the transformative world of Georg Baselitz.

serpentinegalleries.org

The Mother & The Weaver

Foundling Museum

22 September – 18 February

Transforming the museum space, “The Mother & The Weaver” embarks on a journey starting from the often unseen figure of a mother. It delves into themes of motherhood, childhood, love, loss, sexuality, and identity. This significant exhibition showcases more than 40 pieces crafted by 17 talented female artists, primarily sourced from the Ursula Hauser Collection, renowned for its focus on women artists.

Among the featured artists are Louise Bourgeois, Marlene Dumas, Luchita Hurtado, and Maria Lassnig, each contributing to a rich tapestry of perspectives. Their works engage in a meaningful dialogue with historical objects and art pieces from the Foundling Museum. This unique juxtaposition invites visitors to reconsider conventional notions of being a ‘good’ mother or woman, fostering a contemplative space for exploration and reflection.

foundlingmuseum.org.uk

Re/Sisters: A Lens on Gender and Ecology

Barbican Art Gallery

5 October – 14 January

Spotlighting the creativity of 50 women and gender non-conforming artists, “Re/Sisters: A Lens on Gender and Ecology” delves into the interconnectedness of women’s oppression and the planet’s degradation. Through the lenses of photography and film, the exhibition unravels the discord between the female perspective on our environment and capitalist systems that exploit the Earth for profit.

The visual narrative also encompasses activist works, shedding light on women’s pivotal role in advocating for and nurturing our planet’s delicate ecosystem. This collection not only explores the challenges but also celebrates the resilience and commitment of women in confronting environmental issues head-on.

barbican.org.uk

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