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Five must-see London exhibitions in April 2017

Five must-see London exhibitions in April 2017

From queer art to art inspired by psychoanalysis, April offers a range of exhibitions with varied subjects and scales, including a show containing a single work and a comprehensive survey of over a century of art. Take a look at our highlights.

1_Ishwari_Bhalerao_Under the CouchUnder the Couch, Ishwari Bhalerao

Secrets of the Soul at Freud Museum London

For this exhibition at the Freud Museum in Hampstead, six student artists from the Slade School of Fine Art and the University of the Arts London have been asked by UCL’s Psychoanalysis Unit to produce works that explore the idea of secrets. Freud believed that “no mortal can keep a secret” from a good psychoanalyst, and these artworks probe this idea.

Secrets of the Soul is at Freud Museum London from 5th April until 7th May 2017, for further information or to book visit here.

Sappho and Erinna in a Garden at Mytilene 1864 by Simeon Solomon 1840-1905

Queer British Art at Tate Britain

This exhibtion at Tate Britain is the first to be dedicated to queer British art, launched to mark the 50th anniversary of the decriminalisation of male homosexuality in the UK. Featuring works from 1861-1967, the show encompasses an important era in which homosexuality and queer identity were being questioned, explored and recognised across parts of society.

Queer British Art is at Tate Britain from 5th April until 1st October 2017, for further information or to book visit here.

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Geta Brătescu – The Studio: A Tireless, Ongoing Space at Camden Arts Centre

Romanian artist Geta Brătescu is another example of a female artist who is only gaining recognition much later in her life, echoing the career paths of creatives such as Louise Bourgeois and Natalia LL. Living and working in Bucharest in difficult political and economic times, Brătescu explored the concept of the studio as a neutral place free of such socio-political considerations.

Geta Brătescu – The Studio: A Tireless, Ongoing Space is at Camden Arts Centre from 7th April until 18th June 2017, for further information or to book visit here.

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Chris Ofili: Weaving Magic at the National Gallery

In this free exhibition, Chris Ofili unveils a new tapestry work. The artist has collaborated with the Dovecot Tapestry Studio, who have hand-woven one of his designs. The imagery in the design reflects Ofili’s ongoing interest in classical mythology and the stories, magic, and colour of the landscape of Trinidad, his homeland. It’s a great opportunity to see this established artist working in a very different medium.

Chris Ofili: Weaving Magic is at the National Gallery from 26th April until 24th August 2017, for further information visit here.

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Langlands and Bell: Infinite Loop at Alan Cristea

Infinite Loop at Alan Cristea is an exhibition by art duo Langlands and Bell. The pair utilise video, digital media projects, sculpture, installation and prints to explore the role of architecture in the digital age. Their new work includes prints of meticulously made models of the Silicon Valley headquarters of the tech giants.

Langlands and Bell: Infinate Loop is at Alan Cristea from 27th April until 3rd June 2017, for further information or to book visit here.

Anna Souter

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