Our list of shows out this weekend has something for art lovers and newcomers alike, offering a selection of jolly, immersive shows at museums and galleries across London this weekend. For some viewers and buyers, it could be a chance to catch up with RA Summer Exhibition too.
Animals at Omer Tiroche
Chagall, Picasso, Calder and Warhol are among the 15 modern and contemporary artists in the high-end yet playful exhibition at Omer Tiroche, ANIMALIA. This colourful summer show showcases depictions of various animals from oxen, dogs, cats, mythical beasts. It includes both the symbolic to the literal with reference to traditional and even prehistoric ideas behind rendering beasts and runs at the Mayfair gallery until September 20.
Rediscovering a remarkable woman at Sotheran’s
Nearby Mayfair gallery Sotheran’s offers the The Bird Woman a thought-provoking show across two floors of its large, traditional premises. It features the ornithological illustrations of Victorian husband-and-wife team John and Elizabeth Gould. He is remembered for his seminal work as a naturalist (particularly in Australia), but during the 20th century it has become increasingly clear that Elizabeth was central to his illustration process. The show highlights the full-colour images she created from her husband’s notes and sketches, transforming his work into detailed and desirable compositions. This is the last weekend for the show which ends August 1.
Reality at White Cube
The three artists in The Real: Three Propositions at White Cube Bermondsey (until August 25) are all use precise and figurative in their paintings and drawings. Peter Dreher, Konrad Klapheck and Des Lawrence play with ideas of fact, appearance and fiction through varied approaches. Dreher, for example, has painted or drawn the same drinking glass every day since 1974, while Klapheck makes stylised depictions of everyday domestic objects. Lawrence, meanwhile, takes inspiration for his subjects from newspaper obituaries.
Gold and jewels of Renaissance painting at the National Gallery
In the mood for something completely different? Try the National Gallery’s free exhibition of Spanish Renaissance painter Bartolomé Bermejo (1440-98). Though some of the religious subject matter is a little grisly (see Christ’s Descent into Limbo), it is all fascinating and there is plenty to delight over too. Look out for butterflies beside a sleeping lion, rainbow angel’s wings and sunset skies.
Illustrations at Somerset House
This weekend is the last chance to catch the World Illustration Awards exhibition at Somerset House, a showcase of the 200 shortlisted works. Held by the Association of Illustrators (The AOI) in partnership with the Directory of Illustration, the annual award this year drew 3600 submissions from 68 countries. Works completed for anything from newspapers to packaging feature, with categories including advertising, children’s books and editorial.
Group show at JD Malat
One of the newer kids on the block, JD Malat opened the doors of its Mayfair gallery last year. Focusing on contemporary art, the dealership showcases emerging talents as well as established artists, such as Ian Cumberland, who came third in BP Portrait Award in 2011. He is one of the new additions to the gallery for this summer exhibition, which also features the international artists who have exhibited at the gallery in solo shows during the past 12 months.
