Looking to escape the Winter weather? What better way to hide from the cold than to spend the weekend at a London art gallery. Here's our top three new art exhibitions to visit this November ...
1/ The Radical Eye: Modernist Photography from The Sir Elton John Collection
Tate Modern, Switch House - Until 7 May 2017
Tate Modern’s latest show may come as a surprise to some visitors; it showcases a dynamic and important collection of modernist photography from the Rocket Man star. There are nearly 200 works on show, selected from Sir Elton John’s incredible photographic collection. Some of the biggest names are here; May Ray, Dorothea Lange, Brassai, Andre Kertesz and Aleksandr Rodchenko and more.
The works have been beautifully selected and act as an introduction to Modernist photography; its themes, values and movers and shakers. As well as being visually striking, each print is in remarkable condition; many of the works were bought direct from the artists. It’s also worth picking up an audio guide where you can hear from Sir Elton John himself discussing his personal thoughts on the works.
‘I collect for the beauty, not the value. I’m in awe of these things’
2/ Flaming June: The Making of an Icon
Leighton House - Until 2 April 2017
One of the most iconic and reproduced paintings from the Victorian Era, Flaming June, is now back on display at the studio it was created in 1895. It was painted by Sir Frederic Leighton, the English painter and sculptor now known for his elaborate Leighton House.
The painting is a beautiful and sensual work, richly pigmented in orange and red. It shows a sleeping woman behind a Mediterranean backdrop, sun-drenched and collapsed from the heat of midsummer sun.
Flaming June is being shown alongside other works submitted by Leighton to the Academy that year - these are equally romantic and sumptuous.
3/ Paul Nash
Tate Britain - Until 5 March 2017
Paul Nash has been a longtime favourite artist of ours, the combination of his subtle colours which often depict surreal scenes is a fascinating mixture. Nash was undoubtedly one of the pioneers of British modern art. His landscape scenes often feature surreal and mystical motifs which reference to Britain's ancient past.
Tate's exhibition takes us on a journey using works from his early career through to his paintings created during the Second World War. We learn about his unique style of translating the landscape. It was a deeply personal approach that took into account both natural elements and the power of mythology. This is a beautiful and poignant show - a must see.