• If there’s a theme to the artists I’ve chosen for my route, it’s that their works speak through and of the ‘self’, and their bold embrace of different mediums.
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    If there’s a theme to the artists I’ve chosen for my route, it’s that their works speak through and of the ‘self’, and their bold embrace of different mediums. It begins with a quiet coffee in Soho Square—an iconic, living London landmark, and one of my favourite places when I lived in the city. I so often met friends there after visiting music equipment shops, or used it as a location for photography and filming.

     

    From there, head to Frith Street, who are staging an exhibition of works by Cornelia Parker. I’ve long loved and admired Cornelia’s work, which transforms the volatile into something quiet and transformative. A visit to view new work is a must.

     

    Then make your way to Edel Assanti for Simon Lehner’s exhibition. I’m drawn to this young artist’s work (he was born in 1996!) and his sensitive approach to exploring the human psyche, particularly in relation to how imagery—especially now—is used as a means of control. He’s described photography as his “tool” but has recently stretched the medium’s limits to include painting, sculpture, and installation.

     

    From Fitzrovia down to Mayfair for Almine Rech, where Gregor Hildebrandt’s work extracts and rearranges visual elements of sound recording, such as magnetic tapes, vinyl and compact discs, to create his paintings, sculptures and installations. I’ve always experienced music—my preferred mode of expression—as something physically and directly affective, so I’m curious to see how Hildebrandt manipulates its tools to create meaning in visual form.

     

    London prices are expensive; I recommend bringing a packed lunch and sitting in Berkeley Square before visiting Matthias Franz’s hauntingly beautiful work at Grimm. 

     

    My final two central London stops are at Richard Saltoun and Cristea Roberts. Anna Perach’s performance at Richard Saltoun will be on Friday 6th at 5pm, as part of LGW’s public performance programme. You may want to allow time to experience the work in all its forms: visual, sculptural, choreographic, and sonic. Then to Cristea Roberts for Marie Harnett’s Were You Dreaming? I love the concept behind her meticulous drawings—capturing and fixating on a particular moment that could’ve easily been missed in the blink of an eye.

     

    If you still have the energy, catch the Number 12 bus from Trafalgar Square across the river to see Sim Smith’s exhibition celebrating the important role women played in the Surrealist movement—and their enduring influence on artists working today. Finish it all off with a plate of home-style aubergine and hand-pulled noodles at Silk Road, just around the corner.

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    If there’s a theme to the artists I’ve chosen for my route, it’s that their works speak through and of the ‘self’, and their bold embrace of different mediums.