Poison, Abstraction, and Conceptual Art in London

A fresh wave of exhibitions is hitting London, featuring unsettling flora, bold abstraction, and thought-provoking conceptual art. Start in Mayfair and work your way to the South Bank for an eclectic mix of visual experiences that challenge how we engage with art.

Curated by EPIFANI

8 stops in London

1. Against Nature

   Pilar Corrias Gallery

   Georg Wilson's works at Pilar Corrias delve into the sinister beauty of poisonous plants. Look closely at the textures and colours; they evoke a haunting relationship between beauty and danger, making it a fascinating entry point to the day's explorations.

2. Flirter avec l'abstrait

   Pilar Corrias Gallery

   Alexis Ralaivao's suite draws on the tension between figuration and abstraction, inviting you to reconsider how you perceive space and form. His paintings provoke a dialogue with the past while pushing boundaries, a perfect complement to Wilson's themes of nature's duality.

3. Conceptual Art and Christine Kozlov

   Raven Row

   Christine Kozlov’s exhibition at Raven Row is essential for understanding the roots of conceptual art. Her challenging pieces invite viewers to contemplate the ideas behind art-making itself, setting the stage for a deeper engagement with the subsequent exhibitions.

4. Laura Lima: The Drawing Drawing

   Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA)

   At the ICA, Laura Lima's performance piece is not just a visual spectacle; it’s an experience that encourages active participation. This is a rare chance to see how performance art can blur the lines between observer and participant, resonating with Kozlov’s conceptual themes.

5. Chiharu Shiota: Threads of Life / Yin Xiuzhen: Heart to Heart

   Hayward Gallery

   Moving to the Hayward Gallery, the installations by Chiharu Shiota and Yin Xiuzhen weave narratives of interconnectedness and identity through fabric. Their elaborate works invite reflection on human experiences, tying beautifully back to the individual journeys explored in Lima’s performance.

6. Grayson Perry: Delusions of Grandeur

   Wallace Collection

   Grayson Perry's exhibition at the Wallace Collection provides a rich tapestry of identity and culture through his ceramics. The intricate details and narrative depth of his work echo the conceptual undertones of Kozlov and Lima, making Perry's pieces a must-see for those seeking layers in contemporary art.

7. Stubbs: Portrait of a Horse

   National Gallery

   The National Gallery's Stubbs exhibition is a refreshing shift in focus, celebrating the mastery of horse painting. It’s a delightful detour, showcasing a different kind of craftsmanship that complements the contemporary themes explored earlier in the day.

8. Book Launch: Curating & Repair

   The Photographers' Gallery

   Conclude your experience at The Photographers' Gallery with the book launch event. This gathering promises insights into curatorial practices that echo the repair and re-evaluation of art, a fitting end to a day marked by exploration and connection.