2024 - Issue 134
On the off chance you find yourself in Central London in December it’s highly likely you’re going to need a soothing escape. Why not see some art and then contemplate it during a coffee break? Here’s four pairings to bring welcome respite to busy holiday shopping days.
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I’ve always loved the works by William Wright (@williamwrightpainter). I call them moody cartoons because they look like bold pen and ink illustrations but the visible brushstrokes and muted palette bring a painterly seriousness that belies their pared back simplicity. I always find myself captivated by these. His style is testament to the power of ‘less is more’ principles.
‘The Wreathed Trellis’ at Josh Lilley (@joshlilleylondon) until 08 Jan
☕️ Nearest recommended coffee break: Kaffeine at 66 Great Titchfield St., W1W 7QJ
I wouldn’t be surprised if the White Cube staff have a betting pool to guess how many people opt to walk downstairs, because the upstairs gallery looks like someone’s framed their kid’s craft class projects. But downstairs? Downstairs shows exactly what Lynne Drexler (1928-1999) had been preparing for. Are these landscapes, rolling hills, topological maps or zoomed in forest views? Maybe it’s just random chaos, but there’s something incredibly compelling about the way she blends pointillism and colour studies to create vibrant, organic abstracts. You’ll be thankful there are benches, because these are works you could zone out to for hours, getting lost in the shapes and patterns.
‘The Sixties’ at White Cube (@whitecube) until 10 Jan
☕️ Nearest recommended coffee break: Duke’s Caffe at 7 Duke Street, SW1 8BN
I don’t wear lipstick but I like a good music reference and I’m always down for ice cream, so these ceramics by Kitty Shepherd (@studioslipware) hit the spot. They brought a warm smile to my face on a cold wintry day. Sometimes that’s all I want art to do, and these do that very well.
‘All Things Bright and Beautiful’ at Messums (@messumslondon) until 11 Jan
☕️ Nearest recommended coffee break: Nkora at 14 Old Burlington St, W1S 2JR
These works by Maria Szakats (@maria.magdalena.sz) look like her cat spent an afternoon sharpening its claws on her canvasses. Made with mohair on embroidered cotton toile, they quite literally appear fuzzier and fuzzier the closer you get. The smallest works require you to stand farthest away in order to clearly see the underlay base image, but the warmth of the fabric will keep drawing you close. These are the kinds of works that require a “look, don’t touch” warning because you’re gonna wanna reach out and stroke them. Please don’t.
‘Romance Apocalypse’ at Brooke Benington (@brookebenington) until 25 Jan
☕️ Nearest recommended coffee break: Kafi at 86A-88 Cleveland Street, W1T 6NJ
Honourable Mention Artworks
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Most people understand that even an artistic genius can have an off day. This sketch c.1503-05 was found in the archives of Leonardo da Vinci. Rather than admit he might have overindulged at a Friday night ‘Drink & Draw Social’ the Royal Academy label states “The angel in black chalk was probably drawn by a pupil and corrected by Leonardo in pen and ink.” Which begs the question: if you’re that uncertain/embarrassed then why display it?
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This sombre weeping wall by Tamara Al-Mashouk (@tamaralmashouk) was beautifully staged in the lower gallery of Incubator. Set back on a plush carpet in a dimly lit room, the fact that never-ending tears disappear before they hit the floor could be interpreted as hope, or infinite grief.
PLUS…
Check the What’s On page so you don’t miss any other great shows closing soon.
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