The best London exhibitions, 2017
A self-taught NYC phenomenon, a blockbuster David Hockney retrospective and a host of Modigliani's long faces: these were the exhibitions we loved the most this year
Cézanne Portraits exhibition review ★★★★★
The beauty of this monumental exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery lies in its simplicity and its thematic focus on a lesser known facet of Cézanne's oeuvre. Happily for Londoners, the exhibtion runs until mid February, so book a ticket while you still can.
Read more ...David Hockney review, Tate Britain ★★★★★
Joyful, triumphant and tender, this show provided a much-needed ray of light. Tate Britain's 2017 Hockney retrospective was truly magnificent – if only we could see this one all over again.
Read more ...Basquiat exhibition review, Barbican ★★★★★
The late New York artist Jean-Michel Basquiat finally gets the recognition he deserves – the result is mind-blowing. The blockbuster exhibition, which has reignited debate around Basquiat's life and work, runs until the end of Jan. Book a ticket now while you still can.
Read more ...Review: Pink Floyd, V&A ★★★★★
Pink Floyd returned to the stage at the V&A’s latest pop icon retrospective, 50 years after they recorded their debut single Arnold Layne. Pink Floyd: Their Mortal Remains was an eclectic mix of nostalgia, memorabilia and mind-blowing stage effects – what a triumph it was!
Review: Alberto Giacometti, Tate Modern ★★★★★
Long, eerie and existential – the world of Giacometti. Tate Modern's Giacometti retrospective explored the life and majestic work of a modern master. It was, hands-down, one of the most impressive shows of the year.
Read more ...Review: Renate Bertlmann and Maria Lassnig at Sotheby's S2 ★★★★★
Feminist artists Renate Bertlmann and Maria Lassnig were re-examined in a refreshing new light at Sotheby's S2. The private sale and gallery arm of Sotheby's contemporary department has exhibited a wide array of innovative artists this year from Louise Bourgeois to Tess Jaray, but Bertlmann’s multi-disciplinary oeuvre won us over.
Read more ...America After the Fall; Painting in the 1930s, Royal Academy review ★★★★★
This 1930s American Art exhibition displayed America in flux, and provided a powerful visual expression of a nation in crisis.
Read more ...Review: Matisse in the Studio, Royal Academy ★★★★★
Henri Matisse’s creative process was laid bare for the first time in the Royal Academy's Matisse in the Studio. It may not have been a blockbuster exhibition, but it was an exquisite insight into the mind of a Modern Master.
Read more ...Modigliani Exhibition 2017, review ★★★★★, Tate Modern
Associated with nudes, Picasso, sex and alcoholism, Modigliani was the epitome of fin-de-siecle decadence. But Tate Modern's Modigliani proves that his talent far surpasses his desolate story. This beautifully curated exhibition runs until the beginning of April, so book a ticket while you still can.
Read more ...Soutine’s Portraits review ★★★★★
The Courtauld Gallery's intimate exhibition of Soutine’s expressive portraits is utterly captivating. This charming small-scale show is on display until mid January, so book a ticket while you still can, and before The Courtauld Gallery closes for a two year refurbishment plan.
Read more ...Dalí/Duchamp exhibition review, Royal Academy ★★★★★
London's Royal Academy of Arts stages a joyous exhibition exploring the friendship and links between Marcel Duchamp and Salvador Dalí. For those around in London over the festive season, seize the opportunity to catch it before the exhibition closes on 3 January 2018.
Read more ...Scythians, Warriors of ancient Siberia ★★★★★
In this long overdue retrospective, the monumental power of the Scythian warriors comes to life once more. As one of our favourites this year, we really recommend taking the whole family.
Read more ...Review: John Singer Sargent Watercolours, Dulwich Picture Gallery ★★★★★
We discovered another side to celebrity portraitist John Singer Sargent in the Dulwich Picture Gallery's summer exhibition showcasing his magical watercolours. It was without a doubt one of the best exhibitions we saw all year.
Read more ...Balenciaga: Shaping Fashion, V&A ★★★★★
This V&A fashion exhibition will have you cooing over cocoon coats, baby doll dresses and magnificent hats. This exhibition runs until mid Feb so book a ticket while you still can.
Read more ...Picasso: Minotaurs and Matadors review, Gagosian Gallery ★★★★★
Corrida de toros, mythology and an ancient Iberian bloodlust – this London show placed Picasso in the context of the land of his birth. It was the most compelling gallery exhibition to open this year, and a rip-roaring success.
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