April highlights include Grayson Perry’s exhibition at the Wallace Collection, a focus on experimental poetry at the Estorick Collection, and impactful photography showcases at Somerset House and Atlas Gallery. Additionally, notable literature events are happening at the Oxford Literary Festival, alongside powerful performances in London’s theatres.
Grayson Perry: Delusions of Grandeur
The Wallace Collection presents a major exhibition of British artist Sir Grayson Perry, marking his 65th birthday. This is the largest contemporary art showcase held at the Wallace and features a variety of works, including ceramics, tapestries, and digital art. Perry reflects on craft-making, artistic authenticity, and the future role of art through intricate handcrafted objects and modern technology.
Location: The Wallace Collection, Harley Street, London W1, running until 25 October 2025.
Breaking Lines at The Estorick Collection
The Estorick Collection hosts an insightful exhibition on 20th-century experimental poetry, featuring two displays: Breaking Lines: Futurism and the Origins of Experimental Poetry and Dom Sylvester Houédard and Concrete Poetry in Post-war Britain. Focusing on the interplay between visual art and poetic expression, the exhibition highlights work by F.T. Marinetti and Houédard. Visitors can also explore the ongoing modern Italian art collection here.
Location: Estorick Collection, 39a Canonbury Square, London, until 11 May 2025.
Egon Schiele: Portraits on Paper
The Omer Tiroche Gallery showcases the transforming work of Austrian Expressionist Egon Schiele. Famous for his intimate and controversial portraits, Schiele’s distinctive style pushed artistic boundaries. The exhibition features 14 pieces from 1910 to his death in 1918, illustrating his powerful influence on modern art, tragically cut short by the Spanish flu.
Location: Omer Tiroche Gallery, 21 Conduit Street, London, until 2 May 2025.
Sony World Photography Awards 2025
Somerset House will host the Sony World Photography Awards exhibition, featuring over 300 stunning images from various categories including wildlife and documentary. A special section honours US photographer Susan Meiselas, showcasing her work that addresses identity and culture, many of which are being exhibited in the UK for the first time.
Location: Somerset House, Strand, London, from 17 April to 5 May 2025.
Richard Caldicott: Table of Contents
Atlas Gallery features Richard Caldicott’s solo exhibition encompassing 25 years of photography, from earlier works to new pieces. His art examines perception and abstraction, transforming everyday objects into extraordinary images. This gallery, a leading photography venue, invites viewers to reconsider traditional artistic boundaries.
Location: Atlas Gallery, 49 Dorset Street, Marylebone, until 26 April 2025.
Astonishing Things: The Drawings of Victor Hugo
Victor Hugo, renowned author and artist, is celebrated in this exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts. Over 70 rarely exhibited drawings showcase his range from caricature to abstraction. Notably, it features a poignant photo of Hugo in exile and a haunting large drawing, reflecting his multifaceted talent.
Location: Royal Academy of Arts, Piccadilly, London, until 29 June 2025.
Oxford Literary Festival
Catch authors and speakers at the prestigious Oxford Literary Festival, where tickets are in high demand. Highlights include discussions with Harriet Walter on Shakespeare and historian David Starkey on the importance of history. Addressing contemporary issues, philosopher A.C. Grayling and author Ben Macintyre will also share compelling narratives.
Location: Oxford, running until 6 April 2025.
Citra Sasmita: Into Eternal Land
Indonesian artist Citra Sasmita’s first solo exhibition in the UK at the Barbican features a multisensory journey through painting and installation. Through the theme of ancestral memory, Sasmita’s panoramic scroll paintings explore women’s transformation and migration. This transformative exhibition runs until 21 April 2025 at the Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London.
Faces on Stage – April
London’s theatre scene features familiar faces this month, including Stanley Townsend in Retrograde and Brian Cox starring in The Score. Nicola Walker and others will perform in Unicorn, while Cate Blanchett’s sold-out The Seagull concludes this week, ensuring a vibrant arts experience this April.
April brings a vibrant array of arts events in London, from Grayson Perry’s expansive exhibition to the innovative works of Citra Sasmita. The exhibitions and performances showcase both historical and contemporary themes across various mediums, inviting audiences to engage with diverse artistic expressions. Visitors to the city this month will have plenty of opportunities to immerse themselves in London’s rich cultural landscape.
Original Source: www.artshub.co.uk