Internationally recognised art and literary critic, writer and cultural producer. Published in ELLE, Glamour, Esquire and Cosmopolitan; member of the Union of Writers.
Winter is coming, but that doesn’t mean you have to stay indoors and miss out on the vibrant and diverse art scene in the UK. From ancient history to contemporary creativity, there is something for everyone to enjoy and explore. Here are some of the highlights of the art exhibitions and events happening in the UK in November and December 2023.
Burma to Myanmar: The British Museum
If you want to learn more about the rich and complex history of Myanmar, also known as Burma, this is the exhibition for you. The British Museum presents a comprehensive overview of the country’s culture and politics, from its origins as a powerful kingdom in Southeast Asia to its recent struggles with military dictatorship and human rights violations. The exhibition features over 300 objects, including sculptures, textiles, paintings, and manuscripts, as well as contemporary artworks by artists who reflect on the current situation in Myanmar. This is a rare opportunity to see the diversity and beauty of Myanmar’s heritage, as well as the challenges and hopes of its people.
David Hockney: Drawing from Life: National Portrait Gallery
David Hockney is one of the most celebrated and influential artists of our time, and this exhibition showcases his remarkable skill and versatility as a draughtsman. Drawing from Life focuses on Hockney’s portraits of himself and his close friends and family, spanning over six decades of his career. The exhibition reveals how Hockney experimented with different media and techniques, from pencil and ink to iPad and video, to capture the essence and personality of his sitters. It also includes new works by Hockney, such as his controversial portrait of Harry Styles and his cardigan, which sparked a debate on social media.
Unreal: James Freeman Gallery
If you are looking for something more surreal and imaginative, head to James Freeman Gallery for Unreal, a group show of three artists who use photography as a starting point to create fantastical and futuristic scenarios. Emily Allchurch combines architectural elements from different countries and periods to construct her own version of the Tower of Babel, a symbol of human ambition and folly. Liane Lang adds a touch of whimsy and mystery to her photographs of statues dedicated to women, by painting on them and placing them in unexpected settings. Suzanne Moxhay imagines a world where nature has reclaimed abandoned buildings, creating eerie and haunting landscapes.
This annual exhibition of artworks by people in prisons and young offenders institutions is a reminder of the creative power of art, and how it can be a positive outlet for those within the criminal justice system. Curated by poet Joelle Taylor, the exhibition features over 100 works selected from over 8,000 entries, ranging from paintings and sculptures to poems and songs. The exhibition showcases the talent and imagination of those who are often overlooked and marginalized by society, and gives them a voice and a platform to express themselves.
To the Stars: Illustrating Space: Royal Air Force Museum, Hendon
For those who are fascinated by space and science fiction, this exhibition is a must-see. To the Stars: Illustrating Space explores how artists have envisioned and depicted the wonders and mysteries of the universe, from the early days of astronomy to the present day. The exhibition features over 200 works, including vintage posters, comic books, magazines, and book covers, as well as original artworks by contemporary illustrators and concept artists. The exhibition also examines how art and science have influenced each other, and how art can inspire curiosity and imagination about the final frontier.
