February 2025 in London is an exciting month for art enthusiasts with a variety of exhibitions showcasing prominent contemporary artists. Highlighted shows include Noah Davis at Barbican, who presents a vision of Black life through surreal, thought-provoking paintings. Ai Weiwei’s exhibition at Lisson Gallery promises engaging commentary on contemporary issues with bold installations. Additionally, Theaster Gates's new work at White Cube emphasizes community and modern abstraction. Furthermore, Mickalene Thomas transforms the Hayward Gallery into an immersive 1970s experience exploring Black women's experiences in domestic spaces. These exhibitions reflect the vibrant and transformative nature of modern art.
Part-pure realism, part-hazy fantasy, artist Noah Davis's paintings present a dreamlike vision of Black life in modern America. He died in 2015, but not before becoming one of the leading young figurative painters in the US, leaving behind a powerful and often beautiful legacy.
This much-delayed exhibition of new work by dissident art superstar Ai Weiwei promises 'a provocative exploration of contemporary issues through the lens of historical and artistic references', and lots of Lego and swearing. One work is called 'F.U.C.K.' and another is called 'Go Fuck Yourself', so you can be pretty sure that Ai isn't here to fuck around.
Pioneering American artist Theaster Gates returns to London for the first time since his Serpentine Pavilion in 2022 with a show of new work at White Cube Bermondsey. There's not a lot of information regarding what will be included, but Gates's community-focused approach to his very modern-take on abstraction and ceramics - filled with tar, clay, music and history - makes him one an artist who's worth getting excited about no matter what.
The Hayward Gallery is being transformed into an everyday 1970s home for this display of paintings by American artist Mickalene Thomas. She's been at the forefront of contemporary portraiture for a while now, and this show of images of Black women luxuriating in domestic settings showcases the joy and complexity of their lives.
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