In May, the Southbank Centre will host a free immersive Moomin installation on its Riverside Terrace. This event, themed ‘Moomin 80’, celebrates the 80th anniversary of Tove Jansson’s beloved book series, inviting families to explore the iconic Moominhouse and engage in creative activities.

The installation, running daily from 23 May to 1 June 2025 between 2 pm and 5 pm, focuses on themes of inclusivity and belonging. Visitors can enjoy storytime, workshops, and interactive Play, Make, Dream sessions led by Woodland Tribe, known for their child-led adventure play across the UK.

The initiative is part of the Southbank Centre’s broader spring programme, offering family-friendly events, including shows, music, and dance workshops. This springtime schedule promises fun for all ages.

For those eager for Moomin merchandise before the event, a Moomin shop exists in Covent Garden, featuring adorable products that celebrate these endearing characters.

The Moomin installation at the Southbank Centre offers a unique chance for families to engage with the beloved characters of Tove Jansson and promotes themes of inclusivity. With free entry, interactive sessions, and a vibrant schedule of spring activities, it promises to be an enchanting experience. Families can also check out Moomin merchandise in Covent Garden before the event.

Original Source: secretldn.com

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London Fashion Week (LFW) runs for only four days and faces tough competition from major fashion capitals like New York and Paris. Financial constraints persist, yet creativity and ambition thrive. The brand SS Daley, backed by Harry Styles, featured poignant tributes in its show, including sweaters honouring the late style icon Marianne Faithfull. Celebrity attendance, like Lucy Punch, generated excitement and interest.

At the jewellery label Completed Works, actor Debi Mazar brought an engaging performance, showcasing the brand’s playful spirit. Florence Pugh’s monologue during Harris Reed’s show at Tate Modern celebrated the essence of dressing up, reinforcing British fashion’s cultural significance. Despite difficulties, British designers maintain a strong reputation internationally, with high-profile roles at luxury brands in Paris and Milan.

Designer Steven Stokey-Daley highlighted a current feeling of despondency in London’s fashion scene, noting that many top buyers neglect LFW. He believes London’s value still lies in its cultural roots. A report indicated LFW’s media influence was significantly below that of its global counterparts, indicating a need for renewed focus on the event.

Anna Jewsbury of Completed Works expressed that showcasing jewellery on the catwalk was intentional, aiming to present a fresh perspective within fashion. Many designers have begun to show less frequently, adopting a more flexible approach to presentations rather than the traditional biannual schedule. Conner Ives exemplifies this by planning an annual show based on a classic musical.

London Fashion Week grapples with securing its place against more prominent fashion events. Despite financial challenges, British creativity and talent persist, demonstrating a unique cultural identity. The shift towards fewer, more impactful presentations reflects a need for change in the fashion industry. As designers adapt, maintaining a strong sense of British heritage remains crucial for LFW’s future.

Original Source: www.odt.co.nz

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This spring, Tate Modern welcomes South Korean artist Do Ho Suh with his exhibition “Walk the House,” a comprehensive survey of his work over the last three decades. This marks Suh’s first solo showing in London in over twenty years and includes new site-specific pieces alongside his notable installations, all designed to immerse visitors in his exploration of memory and space.

Central to Suh’s exhibition is the concept of home, viewing it as both a tangible structure and a metaphor for personal history. Inspired by the traditional Korean hanok house, which can be dismantled and reconstructed, Suh’s fabric artworks reflect themes of migration, identity, and the emotional ties we have to our living spaces. His statement, “The space I’m interested in is not only a physical one, but an intangible, metaphorical and psychological one,” underscores this theme.

Suh’s signature translucent architectural installations, made from meticulously crafted fabrics, recreate personal spaces like homes, allowing visitors to wander through and experience the walls as if they were intangible memories. Noteworthy installations include “Nest/s,” a vibrant labyrinth of tunnels, and “Perfect Home,” an outline of his London residence that highlights everyday details, encouraging reflections on the essence of home.

In addition to architectural replicas, Suh incorporates various mediums including sculpture, film, and drawing, providing a multifaceted view of memory. His piece “Who Am We?” features thousands of high school portraits, exploring interconnected personal histories. Another significant work, “Robin Hood Gardens,” captures the memory of a demolished housing estate, reinforcing Suh’s focus on spaces of transition and loss.

The exhibition is co-curated by Nabila Abdel and Dina Akhmadeeva, offering insights into Suh’s evolving artistry. Co-sponsored by the Genesis Art Initiatives, it highlights Tate Modern’s role in promoting contemporary Korean artists, following recent commissions such as Lee Bul’s work.

“Walk the House” is not merely an exhibition, but an experiential journey into memory and identity. Suh’s innovative use of space creates a reflective adventure through past and present notions of home. The exhibition runs from May 1 to October 19, providing a unique opportunity to engage with Suh’s extensive artistic narrative.

Do Ho Suh’s “Walk the House” provides an immersive exploration of space and identity through translucent installations and innovative art forms. By examining the concepts of home and memory, Suh invites visitors to reflect on their personal connections to spaces. This thought-provoking exhibition underscores the emotional dimensions of architecture and cultural identity, making it a significant event in contemporary art.

Original Source: stupiddope.com

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The exhibition ‘Leigh Bowery!’ at Tate Modern showcases the vibrant 1980s subculture through the life of performance artist and designer Leigh Bowery (1961-1994). Running from 27 February to 31 August 2025, it highlights Bowery’s influence on both mainstream and subculture, portraying his creative journey across various settings such as homes, clubs, and studios.

Curated by Fiontán Moran in collaboration with Bowery’s widow Nicole Rainbird, the exhibition features an array of dazzling costumes, photographs, and personal items from Bowery’s life. Items include sequined masks, neck corsets, and postcards that epitomise the era’s alt-glamour and its penchant for unique self-expression.

The exhibition starts with Bowery’s home life and early inspirations, featuring films like Charles Atlas’s ‘Hail the New Puritan’ and John Maybury’s ‘Read Only Memory’, contextualising the socio-political climate of Thatcher’s Britain and the AIDS crisis. This backdrop explains the fierce rebellion displayed by Bowery and his contemporaries who challenged societal norms.

Bowery’s collaboration with choreographer Michael Clark pushed boundaries in contemporary dance, sparking both admiration and controversy due to their unorthodox performances. This dynamic raised questions about the conventions of ballet and encouraged a diverse audience to engage with their art in lively after-parties.

In addition to Bowery’s work, the exhibition features contributions from other artists like Lucian Freud, whose portraits of Bowery explore themes of modern art acceptance beyond nightlife. Bowery’s early gallery performances marked his important transition into contemporary art, leaving a lasting legacy that transcended genres.

The ‘Leigh Bowery!’ exhibition at Tate Modern celebrates Bowery’s significant impact on 1980s culture, blending art, rebellion, and personal narrative. Through rich visual displays and archival materials, it invites audiences to explore not only Bowery’s artistic contributions but also the broader socio-political contexts of the time. It promises an immersive experience into an era where alternative lifestyles flourished in defiance of conventional norms.

Original Source: www.wallpaper.com

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Leigh Bowery’s legacy as a performance artist and fashion designer is marked by his resistance to categorisation, famously stating, “If you label me, you negate me.” Despite his lack of mainstream recognition, Bowery’s influence remains impactful; he collaborated with notable artists like Lucian Freud and Marina Abramović. His extravagant styles continue to inspire fashion designers today, particularly within L.G.B.T.Q. culture, where he is frequently celebrated.

Tate Modern’s upcoming exhibition, “Leigh Bowery!”, aims to showcase his eclectic artistry and journey from suburban Australia to London’s vibrant gay club scene of the 1980s. Opening on February 27 and running until August 31, the exhibition encapsulates Bowery’s transformative persona, described by Boy George as “modern art on legs.” Boy George portrayed Bowery in the Broadway musical “Taboo,” highlighting his significant cultural impact.

Though Bowery passed away at just 33, his remarkable performances included hosting the notorious club night that inspired the musical. The Tate Modern exhibition offers an opportunity for a wider audience to appreciate Bowery’s unique contributions to art and fashion beyond traditional labelling.

The exhibition at Tate Modern will provide greater visibility and understanding of Leigh Bowery’s work, reinforcing his status as a cultural icon. It accentuates his refusal to be confined by labels, showcasing the lasting influence of his innovative performances and fashion designs, which continue to resonate within contemporary culture.

Original Source: www.nytimes.com

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Explore exciting exhibitions opening in London this February:

1. Dickens in Doughty Street: 100 Years of the Charles Dickens Museum
– Celebrating a century of the museum, featuring key collection items from manuscripts to letters. Open until 29th June.

2. Soane and Modernism: Make it New, Sir John Soane’s Museum
– Running from 12th February to 18th May, showcasing Soane’s influence on architectural modernism, with works alongside famous modernists.

3. The Face Magazine: Culture Shift, National Portrait Gallery
– From 20th February to 18th May, this exhibition delves into the impact of the magazine across three decades through photography and fashion.

4. Leigh Bowery! Tate Modern
– Opening on 27th February, this exhibition highlights Bowery’s diverse legacy, showcasing his iconic looks and collaborations with notable artists.

This article showcases notable exhibitions in London for February 2025, highlighting key themes and historical significance. It serves as a guide for art lovers and cultural enthusiasts to experience various forms of art, from literature and architecture to fashion and performance, reflecting on the past while engaging contemporary discourse.

February 2025 offers an enriching array of exhibitions across London. From literary treasures at the Charles Dickens Museum to the modernist inspirations at Soane’s Museum, and influential fashion at the National Portrait Gallery, each exhibit provides a unique lens into culture and history, culminating with the vibrant legacy of Leigh Bowery at Tate Modern.

Original Source: lovelondonloveculture.com

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Tarot has evolved over seven centuries, beginning as a card game in 15th-century Italy and later intertwining with occult practices by the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, tarot serves as both a leisure activity and a spiritual guide, gaining popularity on social media. The exhibition ‘Tarot: Origins & Afterlives’ at the Warburg Institute in London examines this fascinating evolution.

Founded 120 years ago by Aby Warburg, the Warburg Institute focuses on understanding the impact of images on culture. Bill Sherman, the gallery director, notes Warburg’s interest in images, which he sees as tools for cultural expression. The exhibition features tarot as an example of an image carrier that reflects shifts in society over centuries.

Recently, public fascination with tarot mirrors a broader interest in mysticism and witchcraft, as seen in art exhibitions spotlighting artists like Hilma af Klint and Leonora Carrington. Tarot represents an accessible form of the occult; its affordability and visual nature make it appealing amid rising secularism. Allen states that digital technology has transformed occult practices, making them more democratised.

The exhibition showcases the creativity of tarot artists, including rich works by Aleister Crowley and Lady Frieda Harris, whose paintings feature vibrant colours. Allen highlights British artist Austin Osman Spare’s innovative hand-painted deck from 1909, showcasing speculative potential as it remains an untold story.

Ultimately, the exhibition seeks to reframe tarot’s connection to ludic origins, positioning it as a tool for exploring complex narratives of contemporary life. This full-circle narrative suggests that tarot now functions as a medium for resistance and storytelling, emphasizing its cultural significance at this moment.

The article discusses the historical evolution of tarot, tracing its journey from a court game to a prominent symbol of mysticism and art. It explores how tarot reflects broader cultural trends and acts as a creative platform for artists. The Warburg Institute’s exhibition serves as a focal point for this discourse, shedding light on tarot’s accessibility and relevance in modern society.

The ‘Tarot: Origins & Afterlives’ exhibition at the Warburg Institute encapsulates tarot’s rich history, interplay with the occult, and its revitalization in modern culture. As a creative and accessible medium, tarot continues to inspire artists and offer insights into contemporary life, establishing itself as a significant cultural artefact.

Original Source: www.wallpaper.com

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February 2025 offers a vibrant run of exhibitions across major cities, highlighting diverse artistic expressions. Key shows include:

– Leigh Bowery! at Tate Modern, London (27 Feb – 31 Aug) as a tribute to his transformative influence on art and fashion in the 80s and 90s.
– Through Motion by Heather Agyepong, exploring themes of mental health and identity through performance at Doyle Wham, London from 5 Feb.
– Noah Davis retrospective at Barbican, showcasing over 50 works examining Black life, from 6 Feb to 11 May.
– SCREEN MEMORIES group show in NYC, delving into mass media’s psychological impact on culture from 14 Feb to 14 Apr.
– Hole by Shadi Al-Atallah at Niru Ratnam in London (17 Jan – 22 Feb) reinterprets the notion of absence in art.
– Captive Heart installation by Athen Kardashian & Nina Mhach Durban at FormaHQ (8 Feb – 27 Apr) reflects on cultural identity, inspired by Selena.
– Yawm al-Firak by Sakir Khader at Foam, Amsterdam (7 Feb – 17 May), and explores themes of loss and resilience in Palestinian life.
– Eyes Open in the Dark featuring Peter Hujar’s work at Raven Row (30 Jan – 6 Apr) depicts intimate portraits and street scenes.
– After Leonora: Echoes of Surrealism runs at Gillian Jason, London (16 Jan – 26 Feb) showcasing the impact of Leonora Carrington’s surrealist legacy alongside contemporary artists.
– Mickalene Thomas: All About Love at South Bank Centre (11 Feb – 5 May), celebrating Black womanhood through immersive art.
– My Mama Told Me You Was A Problem, Bitch by Alvaro Barrington at MASSIMODECARLO, Milan, blends Black identity and cultural narratives from 15 Jan to 15 Feb.
– Manifestation 54: Shifting / Spirit / Time by Julianknxx at Buro Stedelijk (27 Feb – 24 Apr) uses multi-screen installations to explore connectivity through sound.
– ZⓈONAMACO (3 – 9 Feb) and Feria Material (6 – 9 Feb) in Mexico City showcase global art trends across diverse mediums.

February 2025 is set to be a dynamic month for culture and art enthusiasts, featuring a series of exhibitions that emphasise identity, loss, and societal issues through the work of both renowned and emerging artists. The exhibitions span significant themes from the influence of pop culture in diasporic identities to explorations of the inner psyche and community building through art. This period showcases the powerful role of art in reflecting personal and collective narratives within various cultural contexts.

The art exhibitions in February 2025 present a diverse array of themes, including identity and community, resilience in adversity, and the reimagining of artistic movements. Artists from various backgrounds illuminate the complexities of contemporary cultural experiences, making this month an essential period for engaging with transformative art.

Original Source: www.dazeddigital.com

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This summer, London’s art scene will welcome a significant exhibition by iconic Japanese contemporary artist, Yoshitomo Nara, at the Hayward Gallery. Known for his distinctive style featuring big-headed, cartoon-like characters with expressive eyes, Nara’s works present a blend of innocence and rebellion. His art, which conveys themes of isolation and resilience, includes a diverse array of mediums such as painting, drawing, and sculpture.

This exhibition marks Nara’s first solo show in a UK public institution, offering a unique opportunity to experience his artistry. The collection will feature both renowned pieces and lesser-known works, engaging both longstanding fans and newcomers. Visitors can expect a personal and emotional experience through his creations, enhancing their understanding of contemporary Japanese art.

The Hayward Gallery, situated on London’s Southbank, will serve as the ideal venue to showcase Nara’s whimsical and thought-provoking pieces. Running from June 10 to August 31, 2025, this exhibition promises to be a visual delight and a highlight of London’s summer art calendar. It is perfect for both intrigued art lovers and those seeking unique experiences this summer.

Japanese contemporary art has gained significant recognition in London recently, with notable exhibitions by artists like Yayoi Kusama and Takashi Murakami. This trend highlights the rich and vibrant creative culture of Japan, captivating local audiences. Nara’s exhibition builds on this momentum, promising a fresh perspective on contemporary art and enriching the UK’s cultural landscape.

In summary, Yoshitomo Nara’s debut solo exhibition at the Hayward Gallery presents a rare opportunity to explore his unique artistic vision. Showcasing contrasting themes of innocence and defiance, the exhibition runs from June 10 to August 31, 2025. It serves as a significant cultural event for fans of Japanese contemporary art and art enthusiasts alike.

Original Source: secretldn.com

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Makiko Harris presents “Needle Dance,” an innovative underwater film and multimedia exhibition running from 17th February to 2nd March at art’otel London Hoxton. The work explores themes of fate, feminism, and connection through striking visuals, including monumental needle sculptures and a conceptual film. Co-created with renowned artists, this exhibition marks a significant event in contemporary art, inviting viewers to engage with the complexities of autonomy and identity through a transformative lens.

“Needle Dance” comprises a five-minute film and supporting artworks, crafted with Peter Gray, Deborah Milner, and Carlos Basilisco. It reflects Harris’s focus on feminist identity and answers questions about the balance between destiny and personal agency, offering a narrative steeped in symbolism and historical context. Harris aims to unravel the tension between inherited roles and self-determination within the feminist movement, using vivid imagery to convey these ideas.

Before this exhibition, Harris received accolades for her various works across multiple mediums, including her debut film at Tate Modern, highlighting her rapid ascent in the art world. She has explored the historical and contemporary aspects of feminism, crafting a unique voice in a global landscape, with her art now in numerous significant collections. This new presentation at art’otel London provides a captivating stage for her latest and ambitious projects.

The exhibition’s centerpiece, the red thread of fate, invites viewers to question their own connections and autonomy, positing that although we may be tied to others, we can still assert independence. The film’s underwater setting amplifies these themes, showcasing dancers in a milieu that allows for both struggle and liberation, evoking the complexity of personal relationships and societal expectations.

Harris’s monumental needle sculptures elevate domestic tools to powerful feminist symbols, subverting traditional views associated with femininity. The artist draws on her grandmother’s legacy and personal experiences, transforming her initial militant view into a narrative of repair and unity that emphasises both struggle and healing in womanhood. This bold reinterpretation highlights the dual nature of femininity as powerful and nurturing.

Through “Needle Dance,” Harris seeks to evoke a dialogue on the relationship between feminism and desire, emphasising how personal longing can stem from both fate and individual agency. The exhibition’s intricate design and presentation encourages reflections on the complexities of connection and self-definition, celebrating the inherent tensions that shape our lives. In her own words, Harris captures the essence of her work through her desire to honour her lineage while forging her unique identity.

“Needle Dance” reflects the intersection of contemporary art and feminist themes, produced by interdisciplinary artist Makiko Harris. It delves into deep discussions about fate and autonomy through symbolic representations, such as needle sculptures, which challenge traditional notions of women’s work. This exhibition builds on Harris’s previous successes and contributes to ongoing conversations regarding identity, desire, and feminist representation in the arts, highlighting her innovative approach to multimedia art.

Makiko Harris’s “Needle Dance” is a compelling exploration of feminism, fate, and connection, running from 17th February to 2nd March at art’otel London Hoxton. The exhibition presents the artist’s vision through a captivating film and powerful sculptures, elevating the conversation around women’s autonomy and identity in contemporary art. Harris encourages viewers to reflect on the tensions between tradition and independence, making this a significant cultural event.

Original Source: www.londondaily.news

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