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Viewing Served: The Sarabande Summer Group Show 2021

Unwaveringly brilliant, the late Lee Alexander McQueen set up Sarabande — a charitable foundation named after his SS07 show — to support ‘the most creatively fearless minds of the future’. Since its launch in 2006, the foundation, which is housed in a listed Stable Block conversion in Haggerston, has nurtured 85 artists and designers, including the trailblazing Molly Goddard. In addition to offering scholarships and studio space, Sarabande organises a brilliant public programme of on-site events, among them the annual summer group show.

Featuring the work of 11 Sarabande artists, this year’s exhibition charts the group’s creative development during a year of unprecedented change. In lockdown, the artists became an unconventional family, forging togetherness through isolation. This unique experience inspired a collaborative new work: Sarabande’s House of Bandits window display ‘Family Portrait’. Served is a continuation of this work and takes the form of a family meal. Needless to say, it’s not to be missed.

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Dates
11 August 2021 — 02 September 2021
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Scoot along to South Kensington’s Exhibitionist Hotel for a peek at its summer showcase, featuring wonderful artworks by 15 women artists working across a variety of media. The all-female exhibition is curated by Cynthia Corbett Gallery and the Young Masters Art Prize, a not-for-profit initiative which seeks to highlight and support emerging talent.

On display are works by gallery-represented artists, Young Masters alumnae and artists Cynthia Corbett has never worked with before. Marvel at Deborah Azzopardi’s seductive pop art images. Or lose yourself in Nicole Etienne’s breathtaking sky-filled canvases. Amanda McCavour’s mesmerising hanging poppy installation is another highlight. When you’ve had your fill, head to the hotel’s quirky cocktail bar for sumptuous summer sipping.

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Dates
20 July 2021 — 30 September 2021
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Viewing On Happiness, Wellcome Collection

What is happiness? What makes you feel good? How can you create happy feelings? These complex questions are the subject of a new season of free events, activities and exhibitions at London’s Wellcome Collection.

After a year of rising levels of anxiety, depression, stress and uncertainty, this new programme asks how we might rebuild our sense of happiness, while reflecting on the connections between these complex emotions, our bodies and health. It will also explore the ways in which people find resilience, hope and joy in times of hardship.

The two free exhibitions — Tranquillity and Joy — bring together voices from across the cultural, scientific and spiritual fields to explore happiness in all its forms. Tranquillity centres on feelings of contentment, serenity, peace and balance, while Joy looks at heightened emotional states such as ecstasy, euphoria and pleasure.

You’ll encounter historic objects from Wellcome’s collection, newly commissioned works and multi-sensory installations. Relax in a yoga studio created by Jasleen Kaur before scoping out new works by Amalia Pica and David Shrigley which address themes of resilience, humour and hope. For a deeper dive, plug into Wellcome’s five-part podcast series exploring how emotion affects our lives and culture in unexpected ways. After such a rollercoaster year, On Happiness is sure to put a smile on your face. Need we say more?

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Dates
15 July 2021 — 27 February 2022
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