London Gallery Weekend 2025: The Best Shows for Photography Lovers

London Gallery Weekend 2025 features cutting-edge photography exhibitions that focus on themes such as femininity, colonialism, and the nature of truth. Key exhibitions include Joanne Leonard’s first UK solo show, Brian Teeling and Dorje de Burgh’s exploration of narratives, and a group show confronting representations of womanhood. Artists like Harley Weir and Felix Shumba further contribute to a rich discussion on the evolving nature of photography contextually and critically.

The London Gallery Weekend in 2025 promises an exciting array of photography exhibitions that echo recent movements in the industry. Following the intriguing trends highlighted at last month’s Photo London fair, visitors can expect to see photography pushing boundaries—think themes of femininity, colonialism, and truth. This year’s events will highlight innovative work from emerging artists, giving a nod to self-portraits in the age of social media, alongside surprising narratives that might even charm traditionalists.

First up, at HackelBury Fine Art, acclaimed photographer Joanne Leonard showcases her first solo exhibition in the UK, titled Vintage Photographs and Early Collages. Open until 8 July, the exhibition spans the 1960s to 1980s and reveals Leonard’s persistent dedication to crafting “intimate documentary” from a feminist perspective. Through her blend of documentary and dream-like photography, she shines a light on domestic life—transforming everyday objects and responsibilities into poignant art with a critical eye on the male gaze.

Moving on, we have Me and You in The Continuum (Now: Zero) at New Art Projects, running until 12 July. It delves into reality and truth, drawing inspiration from Philip K. Dick’s alternative historical narrative in The Man in the High Castle. Artists Brian Teeling and Dorje de Burgh present their artworks in pairs, challenging perceptions and merging facts with fiction via a mix of photographs, text, and film. It promises to be both thought-provoking and visually intriguing.

Then at Brooke Benington’s gallery until 28 June, Best Self questions the multifaceted nature of identity. Juno Calypso’s artwork, Silent Retreat, showcases a masked figure reflected in multiple mirrors, raising interesting points about social media representations of womanhood. Collectively, pieces by noted artists like Mat Collishaw and Boo Saville delve into the exploration of our best and worst selves—sure to spark conversations.

Then comes Hannah Berry’s The Garden, which runs until 13 September. Renowned photographer Harley Weir presents her experimental series Sickos, blending unexpected materials into darkroom techniques. This series promises unpredictable and vibrant outputs, while her new works using ancient Japanese paper-making maintain a personal touch, once more depicting intimate connections to childhood objects.

Lastly, at Tiwani Contemporary until 20 September, For want of a horse, a button was lost examines historical violence through the lens of photojournalism. Zimbabwean artist Felix Shumba draws from J. Ross Baughman’s Pulitzer-winning series on colonial treatment, creating haunting charcoal works that delve into colonial narratives. It’s a striking commentary on the ethics tied to photography—showing that even without actual images, the potency of narrative remains strong.

The London Gallery Weekend 2025 offers a diverse exploration of photography that extends beyond traditional boundaries. Artists are not just showcasing works that embody themes of colonialism and femininity but also interrogating the very nature of truth and identity in a changing world. From Leonard’s feminist lens to Shumba’s historical narratives, there’s ample to engage with, ensuring that the weekend proves a significant event for photography lovers.

Original Source: www.theartnewspaper.com