Five London Exhibitions in 2025
This year, London’s art world promises an exciting group of exhibitions, from emerging artists to established icons, covering diverse practices from around the globe. There is a continued focus on bringing overlooked artists into the spotlight, alongside efforts to diversify the range of work represented at the major institutions. Here are five exhibitions I am looking forward to visiting.
Brasil! Brasil! The Birth of Modernism (Royal Academy of Arts)
After a year of Brazilian art in the spotlight, from Adriano Pedrosa curating the Venice Biennale to major London shows at Alison Jacques, Raven Row, and Whitechapel, the momentum continues into 2025. Opening in January, the Royal Academy will bring together over 130 works by ten twentieth-century Brazilian artists. The exhibition explores the fusion of European avant-garde conceptions with Indigenous and Afro-Brazilian identities and cultures. It promises to reinforce the importance of Brazilian modernism while providing an escape from London’s winter to Brazil’s tropical landscapes and blue skies.
Noah Davis (Barbican)
The Barbican will present the work of Noah Davis, an influential American artist of his generation. Davis depicts scenes from his personal archive and memories, including images of swimming pools, urban landscapes, and everyday life with black subjects. His work seeks to normalise the representation of black people in ordinary situations, countering stereotypes associated with drugs and violence. Through his paintings Davis explores universal human experiences and the subtleties of daily life.
Siena: The Rise of Painting, 1300 ‒1350 (National Gallery)
In Siena, in the period prior to the golden age of the Renaissance, artists such as Duccio, Simone Martini, and the Lorenzetti brothers revolutionised painting, bringing unprecedented emotion, movement, and narrative flow to their work. This local phenomenon resonated internationally and influenced artisans and craftsmen across Europe. Visitors will have the opportunity to see in one place works that have been geographically separated for centuries, including paintings, gilded glass, illuminated manuscripts, ivory Madonnas, rugs, and silks. The exhibition is a testament to Siena’s extraordinary creative energy, and it will offer a rare opportunity to learn about the city’s pivotal role in shaping European art.
Emily Kam Kngwarray (Tate Modern)
Tate Modern will present a highly anticipated solo exhibition of Emily Kam Kngwarray, one of the 20th century’s most significant artists. Beginning her painting career in her 70s, Kngwarray produced over 3,000 works in just a few years. Her extraordinary oeuvre reflects her profound connection to the Australian landscape and her Indigenous cultural knowledge. This show marks the first major European exhibition of her work, celebrating her remarkable legacy as one of Australia’s greatest artists.
Peter Doig: House of Music (Serpentine Gallery)
Peter Doig returns to the Serpentine Gallery with a new and experimental project that presents his paintings with music for the first time, to explore his relationship with music and film. Conceived as a multisensory experience, Doig will invite the public to immerse themselves in an environment designed for contemplation and reflection. His works will be presented alongside installed speakers, with contributions from friends and musicians who will participate in shaping the auditory and visual experience.
Ana Teles for London Art Walk
December 2024