July is another busy month for new exhibitions
at London’s museums and galleries
Here’s The London Art File’s
pick of exhibitions
This fascinating photographic exhibition will illustrate the life of actress and fashion icon Audrey Hepburn (1929-1993). From her early years as a chorus girl in London’s West End through to her philanthropic work in later life, Portraits of an Icon will celebrate one of the world’s most photographed and recognisable stars.
Joseph Cornell
Joseph Cornell hardly ventured beyond New York State, yet the notion of travel was central to his art. His imaginary voyages began as he searched Manhattan’s antique bookshops and dime stores, collecting a vast archive of paper ephemera and small objects to make his signature glass-fronted ‘shadow boxes’. These miniature masterpieces transform everyday objects into spellbinding treasures.
Leading contemporary sound artists and musicians Nico Muhly, Susan Philipsz, Gabriel Yared, Jamie xx, Chris Watson, Janet Cardiff and George Bures Miller – have been commissioned to respond to six paintings of their choice from the National Gallery collection. Each brand new ‘soundscape’ has been specially created for the exhibition and can only be heard within the exhibition space for the duration of the show.
Black British Art in Action 1960-1990
This exhibition at The Guildhall Art Gallery in the City is an innovative look at Black British cultural identities, heritage and creative voices and the struggle Black British artists faced to have their voices heard – from the 1960s to the 1990s. The focus will be on the life works of Eric and Jessica Huntley and the Bogle L’Ouverture Press, a publishing house and pioneering bookshop and cultural hub that they founded in 1969.
Ever wondered what it takes to be an archaeologist? Wanted to dig in Egypt? Or discover new treasures of your own? Meet the teams that uncovered hidden secrets, find out where they lived, how they excavated and what they discovered. With over a century of experience, The Egypt Exploration Society holds one of the largest and most complete archaeological archives in the country, and for two weeks in July they are opening their doors to visitors.
An exhibition of new work by Marc Quinn, his first at White Cube London since 2010, includes two new bodies of work and is the culmination of two years of investigation into natural phenomena and our distanced and complex relationship with the environment.
Image Making and Music in the 21st Century