London February 2013

The hot show in London right now is “Manet Portraying Life” at the Royal Academy of Arts. Get ready for lines and big crowds but it is worth it just to see the many iconic works by this genius, Manet.

I remember artist Mariko Mori from the 90’s installations in New York. In the back of the Royal Academy, there is a show called “Rebirth.” It is very spiritual and scientific at the same time. The piece, ‘Primal Memory,’ looked contemporary and ancient all at once.

At the Somerset House, the Valentino clothes featured are from 1959–2012, portraying the elegant and dramatic designs for which this famed designer is known. The way the show is displayed is fascinating. Between the Valentino-clad mannequins, calligraphy name cards are placed on chairs reserved for famous divas who attended his shows, such as Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell and Sophia Loren.

At the Saatchi Collection, Russian contemporary art is elevated to new heights in “Breaking the Ice Moscow Art 1960s–80s.” I have never seen a show of Russian Contemporary artists. Have you? That is why I thought it was a “must see.” We have all seen Chinese artists, Japanese artists in big shows, but never the Russians.

The Serpentine Gallery in Hyde Park is taking over an old building that is being renovated by Zaha Hadid. We saw a glimpse of the exterior which should be finished by the summer. The “Light Show” at the Hayward Gallery is magical. It is a fascinating exhibition which includes the most renowned artists that deal with light, such as Olafur Eliasson, Dan Flavin, James Turell, Jenny Holzer, and Leo Villareal. The concept of artists using light as a media could be a revelation to the British public. The Institute of Contemporary Arts in London currently features a very eclectic show by “bad boy” German artist Juergen Teller.

I had to visit the Zabludowicz Collection, which was between shows, in addition to the David Roberts Foundation.

Hauser & Wirth had an exceptional Bruce Nauman show and an Eva Hesse retrospective in their gallery next door. At White Cube on Bermondsey Street, Peter Brandt gave us an in depth tour of the Antony Gormley show, and the hidden art in the back rooms and storage areas. At White Cube, Mason’s Yard was a jewel-like exhibition of works by Kris Martin. Beautiful honeycombs dipped in bronze lined the gallery walls of the ground floor gallery.

Other galleries visited included Victoria Miro who is showing John Korner in her downstairs gallery and Chris Ofili upstairs. Fiona Rae at the Timothy Taylor Gallery made a big impression with her bright, exuberant colors—look closely and you will see a panda peeping out at you you.

London Theatre:
Body Guard
Matilda
Singing in the Rain: Bring a rain coat! You will get
wet in the first 5 rows for sure.

London Hotel Recommendations:
Corinthia The public rooms and the decor are amazing
Whitehall
Place London, SW1A2BD – UK