London’s Powerful New Memorial: “The Wake” by Khaleb Brooks
London has unveiled its first memorial to the victims of transatlantic slavery, designed by interdisciplinary artist and activist Khaleb Brooks. “The Wake,” a 7-meter-high bronze cowrie shell sculpture, will be installed on the banks of the River Thames in East London, demonstrating the history of the transatlantic slave trade and the resilience of its victims. […]
Frieze Sculpture 2024: New Works and Diverse Voices at Regent’s Park
Curated by Fatoş Üstek for the second year in a row, Frieze Sculpture 2024 returns to London’s Regent’s Park, featuring 27 works—including 18 new pieces—from 22 artists, including Yoshitomo Nara, Theaster Gates, Leonora Carrington, and Zanele Muholi. “This year’s Frieze Sculpture features daring and experimental artistic approaches,” Üstek states. “It carves a place for playful […]
Banksy’s New London Murals: A Commentary on Far-Right Unrest
Banksy has confirmed five new murals that appeared within a day of each other in London. Far-right riots in the U.K. have sparked online speculation about the meaning behind Banksy’s animal metaphors, as he is known for his political commentary. Since the 1990s, Banksy‘s satirical street art and subversive epigrams have combined dark humor with […]
Revamping Frieze London: A Bold New Layout and Curatorial Vision
Frieze London is aiming for a more nuanced approach this year, focusing on dynamic visitor interaction and a fluid exhibition experience through a new layout. The fair will feature more young galleries and offer artists greater opportunities to present their work directly to the public, moving beyond traditional gallery constraints. Frieze London will unveil a […]
Lonnie Holley at Camden Art Centre: Narratives of History and Memory in Sculpture
Lonnie Holley’s solo show at Camden Art Centre features sculptures he created during his 2023 stay in Italy, alongside new pieces from a UK residency. Holley incorporates Americana iconography and cultural relics into his artwork, critiquing the unfulfilled promises of the American dream. Lonnie Holley connects personal stories with universal human experiences through his artwork, […]
Kusama in London: Largest Pumpkin Sculpture Takes Center Stage at Kensington Gardens
Serpentine Galleries and The Royal Parks have announced the installation of a new large-scale sculpture by Yayoi Kusama in Kensington Gardens this summer. The piece is her tallest bronze pumpkin sculpture to date, standing at 6 meters in height and 5.5 meters in diameter, featuring the artist’s signature black and yellow color palette. The “Pumpkin” […]
Sotheby’s London Auction Week June 2024: Successes and Shortfalls
Before Sotheby’s auction week in London, there were concerns due to the stuttering UK economy, an impending election, and a cooling art market. Despite the hot, humid weather, the auction saw several lots surpass their low estimates, thanks to auctioneers. Overall, 90% of the lots were sold, mirroring the recent Sotheby’s New York sales. The […]
Gavin Jantjes Retrospective at Whitechapel Gallery: A Legacy of Liberation
The Whitechapel Gallery’s retrospective of Gavin Jantjes showcases five decades of the South African activist and artist’s career, encouraging younger audiences to think critically about the intricate relationship among art, identity, and freedom. To Be Free! A Retrospective 1970-2023 honors Jantjes’ artistic accomplishments and reaffirms his position as a vital change agent. His unwavering pursuit […]
