Galleries Galore

As we slowly manoeuvre into step 3 of the ‘roadmap out of lockdown’ we will begin to see the gradual re-opening of our favourite and well missed galleries. Commercial galleries were given the go ahead to re-open from the 12th of April; but bigger, harder to manage galleries were ordered to keep their doors closed, separating the public from the plethora of art held within.

Rebecca Salter, president of the Royal Academy of Arts told The Guardian:

“It just makes no sense. On the 12th of April all the retail will open on Piccadilly and our gates will stay shut, I don’t get the logic of it frankly. It just doesn’t feel joined up to me…I’m angry.”[1]

And salter was rightfully frustrated, but she won’t have to be for long!

If the government are happy that COVID statistics are stable or decreasing, we will see a resurgence in the art world soon enough. Big name galleries like the Royal Academy and the TATE will welcome us back with an array of exciting new shows and re-runs of exhibitions that were resigned to the less than satisfactory online format.

Imagine the joy you will feel stepping foot into a room oozing with creative energy. Feeling enticed by a piece of art that you can finally stand and admire from a few feet away rather than squinting painfully at your computer screen. Hearing the echo of footsteps tracing the polished concrete floors, and distant chatter among passionate gallery goers as they gush over a real life painting! It will be blissful. But it will still be regimented.

Of course we must remain vigilant. We must stay safe to ensure that one day in the future, school trips can return to museums, and eccentric art students of more than 6 can congregate and absorb the culture. So that frenzied crowds can huddle like sardines around the Mona Lisa again! We must do what we can now to guarantee that reality.

So on this topic lets review how returning to galleries might look.

Firstly tickets will need to be pre-booked before attending any show in larger galleries. Even if these tickets are free of charge. You must book ahead to confirm your slot so that gallery staff can monitor attendance and numbers. In terms of smaller, commercial galleries, this will differ due to the size and capacity of the venue. To find out more and avoid disappointment it is recommended to visit their website beforehand to check!

You are only permitted into the gallery in groups of up to 6. This is obviously to adhere to the rule of 6 guideline in indoor spaces. As well as this, while inside the gallery you will have to maintain social distancing from other attendees.

One way systems may well be employed inside galleries and in the queues for the venue. This is to ensure the consistent flow of visitors and to promote social distancing.

Masks will also be mandatory inside of the venues unless you are exempt.

Accessibility wise, there will be some adjustments to audio guides, with many museums and galleries curating apps that can be downloaded to an individuals phone to access auditory information.

Now we have the boring and monotonous guidelines out of the way, lets talk about the exciting exhibitions many of our favourite galleries will be showing in the near future!

Firstly the Royal Academy have lined up lots of awe inspiring exhibitions for the Spring and beyond. One being the re-show of the joint exhibition between Tracey Emin and Edvard Munch ‘The Loneliness of the Soul’originally displayed as a virtual tour on the RA website. This is being shown from the 18th May – 1st August 2021, with tickets priced at £17. This show explores the intimate connection Emin has had to Munch ever since she fell in love with him as a young girl. Examining the close and unusual bond between artists separated by 100 years, ‘The Loneliness of the Soul’ will take you on a harrowing journey through love, loss and aptly loneliness. 25 invigorating pieces by Emin ranging from painting, neon and sculpture are shown alongside 18 carefully selected watercolour and oil paintings by Munch. This show is not one to miss…again.

Next up at the Royal Academy is a more pleasant exhibition, welcoming in the Spring. This is the bright and joyful show ‘The Arrival of Spring’ by David Hockney, being shown from the 23rd May – 26th September. Tickets range from £19 – 21. In this exhibition Hockney displays 116 works created from his iPad that he made during the Spring lockdown of 2020. Printed onto paper and hung loud and proud in the RA, this show shows the cyclical nature of the seasons and how they can coincidentally coincide with life events out of our control…cue COVID.

How could we miss out the infamous Summer Exhibition at the RA! Running from the 22nd September – 2ndJanuary, with tickets from £20. Coordinated by Yinka Shonibare and revolving around the theme of ‘Reclaiming Magic’ the summer exhibition is an essential visit.

Lastly from the RA is the Young Artists Summer Show. Displaying works from young people ages 5 – 19, this show is a fantastic place to scour the young talent Britain has to offer. Entry is free but you must book tickets in advance!

Moving onto the TATE.

This is a big one…can you tell I’m excited about this… it’s… YAYOI KUSAMA’S INFINITY MIRROR ROOMS! I for one am ready to totally and utterly lose myself in the inter dimensional portals Kusama creates using captivating reflections and light. Tickets are to be announced but this show will run in Spring 2021 at TATE Modern.

Another fantastical exhibition at the TATE Britain is Lynette Yiadom Boakye’s ‘Fly in League with The Night’. Showing until May 31st, with tickets at £13 or £12 for students. Follow Boakye’s wonderful imagination as you navigate the gallery getting lost in her fictional portraits, getting an exclusive look into her mind.

Finally on my impossibly concise list, is ‘Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience’ being shown in London from October 2021 – February 2022. Tickets are £19.90. Step into Van Gogh’s world in motion as his most precious paintings are projected onto the walls and animated meticulously so as to engulf the viewer and transport them inside some of his most renowned pieces. This is a once in a lifetime experience I’m sure.

As well as the big name galleries, we can’t leave out the smaller, but not any less significant galleries. Below is a link to the London Gallery Map put together by GalleriesNow.net. This map will show you all the hotspots for the best intimate art experiences, showing you exhibitions near you, visiting information, VR visits and more! Follow the link for your ultimate guide to London’s smaller gallery scene.

https://cdn.galleriesnow.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/GN-LDN-Gallery-Map-Spring-21.pdf

And breathe!

I hope this blog provided you with some inspiration and ideas of what galleries and exhibitions you’d like to attend once we are given the go ahead to do so. I know I am very much looking forward to finding the welcome escapism through strolling peacefully through art filled rooms again and garnering the inspiration that has been hard to find while stuffed up indoors.

Happy looking everyone, and keep staying safe!

Below are the direct links to the ticketed exhibitions listed above.

Royal Academy:

The Loneliness of the Soul - https://www.royalacademy.org.uk/exhibition/tracey-emin-edvard-munch

The Arrival of Spring - https://www.royalacademy.org.uk/exhibition/david-hockney

Summer Exhibition - https://www.royalacademy.org.uk/exhibition/summer-exhibition-2021

TATE Modern:

Infinity Mirror Rooms - https://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-modern/exhibition/yayoi-kusama-infinity-mirror-rooms

TATE Britain:

Fly in The League with The Night - https://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-britain/exhibition/lynette-yiadom-boakye

Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience:

Van Gogh - https://vangoghexpo.com/london/