Our top picks of exhibitions together with cultural spaces and places, both online and in the real world.

All, Art, Auctions, Exhibitions, Travel & Hospitality, Initiatives

Doing Eye of the Collector

Above

Eye of the Collector
12 — 14 May (11 May by invitation only)
Two Temple Place, London
https://www.eyeofthecollector.com

Kicking off London’s summer art season is Eye of the Collector, a boutique art fair that eschews the big white tent in favour of a grand domestic setting. Which means, yes, no booths or aisles or boundaries! But there’s more. Unlike most traditional art fairs, Eye of the Collector juxtaposes works spanning the history of art and design from antiquity to the present day in a bid to spark new dialogues that will inspire and engage.

‘We conceived Eye of the Collector to provide a focused next generation experience for collectors,’ says Nazy Vassegh, its founder and CEO. ‘We always wanted it to feel like being invited into an imaginary collector’s home.’

Set against the architectural backdrop of Two Temple Place, a neo-Gothic mansion in the heart of central London, the second edition of the fair features 25 local and international galleries, with almost half of the works on show by female artists. ‘A spirit of discovery and rediscovery lies at our heart,’ adds Vassegh. ‘We look forward to shining a light on women artists both historic and contemporary.’

Among them are the Surrealist Cissie Kean and painter Pauline Boty, an oft overlooked founder of the British Pop Art movement. Offered by Whitford Fine Art, Golden Nude is a recently rediscovered Boty painting from 1959 inspired by Bonnard’s bathers.

Also offered for sale are ten new works commissioned especially for the fair. These include paintings by Eleanor Johnson and Megan baker, and mixed media works by Anna Preach.

An online edition of the fair will run alongside the physical event on eyeofthecollector.com and chrisites.com. Don’t miss the chance to explore one of London’s architectural hidden gems. Book your tickets now.

Viewing London Gallery Weekend

Above

The Wick Culture - Robert Nava,
Night and Day Seperator, 2021,
PAINTING,
acrylic and grease pencil on canvas,
72

Above Robert Nava, Night and Day Seperator, 2021, PAINTING, acrylic and grease pencil on canvas, 72″ × 84-1/8″ (182.9 cm × 213.7 cm), #79100, Format of original photography: high res TIFFs.

The Wick Culture - Jane and Louise Wilson courtesy Maureen Paley London

Above Jane and Louise Wilson courtesy Maureen Paley London

Above Robert Nava, Night and Day Seperator, 2021, PAINTING, acrylic and grease pencil on canvas, 72″ × 84-1/8″ (182.9 cm × 213.7 cm), #79100, Format of original photography: high res TIFFs.

Above Jane and Louise Wilson courtesy Maureen Paley London

London Gallery Weekend
13 — 15 May 2022
Various locations across London
https://londongalleryweekend.art

London Gallery Weekend is back and bigger than ever, with a series of events, exhibitions and curated tours happening across the city. Following the success of its inaugural edition last year, the free public event has expanded its perimeter to include a swathe of newcomers, including Addis Fine Art in Fitzrovia, Annely Juda Fine Art in Mayfair and Corvi-Mora in Kennington.

There are more than 150 galleries taking part in the initiative, from blue-chips like Hauser & Wirth and Thaddaeus Ropac to young galleries and emerging art spaces. As such, you’ll see a range of ambitious temporary exhibitions, featuring everything from contemporary painting and immersive installations to performance art and sculpture.

‘London is a global powerhouse when it comes to art and this weekend is a fantastic showcase of the incredible galleries we have here in the capital — and all for free,’ says Justine Simons, Deputy Mayor for Culture and the Creative Industries.

With so much to see in such a short time, it’s worth checking out the selection of Curated Routes, mapped by some of London’s leading creatives. Among our favourites is Simone Rocha’s, which starts at Hannah Barry Gallery in Peckham and then meanders through Mayfair before finishing at Public Gallery in Whitechapel. For something a little shorter, look to Justine Simons’ route, which takes you on a tour of Marylebone’s arty highlights.

Viewing TEFAF New York

The Wick Culture - TEFAF NYC SPRING 2019

Above TEFAF NYC SPRING 2019

TEFAF New York
6 May – 10 May 2022
Park Avenue Armory
https://www.tefaf.com/fairs/tefaf-new-york-spring

In New York, all eyes are on TEFAF. The European Fine Art Fair is returning IRL for the first time since March 2020 – the last edition was held in the fair’s hometown of Maastricht just before lockdowns struck, and its comeback heralds a joyous reminder of what life once was. 2022 marks several significant birthdays – TEFAF’s 35th anniversary, and ten years of their Museum Restoration Fund.

91 distinguished galleries from around the world will participate, presenting modern and contemporary art, jewellery, antiquities, and design. “We’re thrilled to open our doors again in New York, welcoming guests to an immersive and profound art experience,” said Charlotte van Leerdam, Managing Director of TEFAF. “With world-class dealers, and museum-quality material at every turn, this edition of the fair will continue TEFAF’s legacy in promoting unparalleled quality and prestige across the artistic landscape.” The Creative Spaces is set to be star of the show, featuring pieces by Anselm Kiefer, Duane Hanson and the late Carmen Herrera, but there’s’ plenty for the culturally curious to look out for: “Gorilles de Pierre” by François-Xavier Lalanne will be a key piece off the back of the recent announcement of the Sotheby’s sale and joint exhibition across Ben Brown Fine Arts and Claridge’s ArtSpace, as will the bronze bust “Barthélémy Senghor” by art world darling Kehinde Wiley.

Maybe art fairs are like buses – after such a long hiatus, the next edition will be in June in Maastrich with 19 new additions. Get those walking shoes on and book a plane ticket, it looks like in person is back for good.