WHAT'S ON | RECOMMENDED
BRISTOL, OXFORD, LONDON
Looking a little further outside the community, and dipping into the pool of galleries our artists noted as favourites; here are four exhibitions from across the South to keep you delighted through August.
1
29 June - 29 September
ADEBAYO BOLAJI - ARNOLFINI, BRISTOL
The Arnolfini hosts Adébayo Bolaji, whose solo exhibition In Praise of Beauty takes over the first-floor galleries for a wonderful exploration into beauty across multiple disciplines including film, writing and painting. His huge, wall filling acrylics are something to spend time with; bold and intimidating in their size, they are beautiful and varied with vast plains of colour and detailed intricate passages laid out with intention to highlight each others beauty. His smaller works seem more frenzied, but with the same intense passion that appears across all of Bolaji's work. No detail is missed in his space, including his intricately adorned edges of canvases which are a perfect showcase of attention, care and finish the artist brings to this show.
Check out all the exhibition information on the Arnolfini's page linked below.
2
11 July - 27 October
THE HERBERT SMITH FREEHILLS PORTRAIT AWARD - NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY, LONDON
The NPG's The Herbert Smith Freehills Portrait Award is one not to be missed if you have an interest in contemporary portraiture, or frankly even if you don't. With a wide breadth of styles represented, there is something to love whatever you're in to. From loud and powerful to the quiet and disconsolate, this show is superb. In the very real sense I went, I saw, I got the postcard, and this image - among many of the pieces - lives rent free in my head. If it's a thoughtful moment of contemplation or a shock of inspiration you're after, go, now, I implore you. It would be a hard press to pick a favourite, it seems to change every 2 feet, but if you do, you can vote for the visitor's choice on the link below. This can also give you a nice virtual tour if you cant get there, though I highly recommend you don't look yet if you are going. Although always better in real life, keep the exploration and delight until you're in the room, you'll thank me.
3
8 August - 27 October
HOCKNEY AND PIERO: A LONGER LOOK - NATIONAL GALLERY, LONDON
At the National Gallery Hockney and Piero: A Longer Look begins this month, promising a very personal show bringing together two Hockney paintings, and the thread that ties them together, Piero della Francesca’s The Baptism of Christ.
As with any Hockney exhibition it is bound to be a riot of colour and a delight on the eyes. Part of the National's Bicentenary celebrations, this free exhibit aims to invite visitors to enjoy life-enhancing art in the Gallery. For more information or to book a free ticket, hit the link below.
4
9 August - 5 January
MONEY TALKS - ASHMOLEAN, OXFORD
Lastly, to round out our August planner, the Ashmolean's newest exhibition Money Talks begins this month, running long into the new year. It will feature over 100 objects, including work from artists Andy Warhol, Grayson Perry, Banksy and Paula Stevens-Hoare to name a few, who use money itself as a medium for political commentary and satire. It's all set to be one not to miss. With so many highlights in, it might be a good one if you need to spend a couple of hours escaping the heat (what a lovely problem to have); or to leave to next month to escape the crowds and take your time. September brings the curators talks should you wish to fully
explore this exhibition, these can also be joined on zoom if you cant make it in person. Get all the information below.
We'll be back next month with another planner of exhibitions to take you through some September highlights. Let us know what you think if you check out any of the above, we love to know the communities opinions, and recommendations!
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