"It should come as no surprise to anyone that London would host some standout exhibitions in 2025. But even with the city's thriving art scene, this year seemed exceptional. It wasn't just eye-catching shows. Museums made conscious attempts to move out of their comfort zones by giving marquee status to those who are often overlooked or marginalized: Indigenous artists, queer pioneers, trailblazing women - the list goes on."
"In addition to high-profile exhibitions featuring Kerry James Marshall, Jenny Saville, Leigh Bowery, and other important and inimitable figures, institutions went out on a limb with surprising pairings (Vincent van Gogh and Anselm Kiefer at the Royal Academy of Arts) and under-appreciated talents such as Edward Burra and Joseph Wright of Derby. Particularly notable was Tate Modern's survey of Australian Aboriginal artist Emily Kam Kngwarray, organized by two First Nations curators. Our London-based contributors were there for it, bringing their knowledge and unique perspectives."
Museums in London presented a remarkably diverse year of exhibitions in 2025. Major institutions elevated artists who are often overlooked, including Indigenous makers, queer pioneers, and women, alongside established figures such as Kerry James Marshall, Jenny Saville, and Leigh Bowery. Curators created unexpected pairings, for example Vincent van Gogh with Anselm Kiefer, and showcased neglected talents like Edward Burra and Joseph Wright of Derby. Tate Modern mounted a significant survey of Australian Aboriginal artist Emily Kam Kngwarray organized by First Nations curators. The season signaled meaningful steps toward greater inclusion, while acknowledging continued work to broaden canonical narratives.
Read at Hyperallergic
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