Emma J ShipleyNew year, new exhibitions! With 2017 stretching out ahead of us, we can't help but indulge in planning our trips to the inspiring and captivating collections that will be in the capital's world-class museums this year. If your New Year's resolution was to be a little more adventurous, cultured or artistic, then look no further than our EJS guide to the top ten upcoming London exhibitions of 2017...
1) Wildlife Photographer of the Year - Natural History Museum, 21 October 2016 - 10 September 2017
We're so glad this inspiring exhibition has been extended - the Wildlife Photographer of the Year display was definitely a highlight of ours for 2016. The exhibition showcases 100 acclaimed international photographers, promoting the true beauty, diversity and fragility of life on our planet. There's a reason why it's nicknamed the 'Oscars' of the wildlife photographic calendar, but if you need a little more persuading, you can read our write-up of it here.
2) Josef Frank - Patterns–Furniture–Painting - Fashion and Textile Museum, 28 January - 7 May 2017
Explore the work of designer and artist Josef Frank in the first-ever UK exhibition of his textiles. This wildly vibrant exhibition highlights Frank's bold fabric designs and colourful brand of modernism, and is a must-see for lovers of furniture, glassware and interior design.
3) South Africa: The Art of a Nation - British Museum, 27 October 2016 - 26 February 2017
This captivating journey allows visitors to discover the history of South Africa through an awe-inspiring 100,000 years of art. Examples of some of the earliest recorded human creativity, such as rock art and possibly the world's oldest necklace, are sure to leave you speechless.
4) David Hockney - Tate Britain, 9 February - 29 May 2017
One of the most popular and influential British artists of the twentieth century is returning to the Tate Britain - and we're incredibly excited. David Hockney's unique style has propelled him through six decades of achievements, in painting, drawing, print, photography and videography. This display is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see such an array of Hockney's work together - not to be missed.
If the title of this exhibition isn't enough to whet your appetite, then keep reading! The Serpentine has invited Grayson Perry, a renowned cross-dressing artist, potter and commentator on contemporary society and culture, to present a major exhibition of new works. Touching on popularity and art, masculinity and the current cultural landscape, this display is sure to cause some controversy...
6) Eduardo Paolozzi - Whitechapel Gallery, 16 February - 14 May 2017
Eduardo Paolozzi was one of the most innovative and irreverent artists of the twentieth century. He is considered as the 'godfather of Pop Art', and for good reason - his many collages, sculptures and prints challenged artistic convention, and have inspired us and many others since the 1950s.
We're incredibly excited to see this upcoming collection, which is sure to be one of the world's greatest private collections of photography. With over 70 artists and nearly 150 rare vintage prints collected by Sir Elton himself, including portraits of Matisse, Picasso, and Breton, visiting this display is a no-brainer. What's more, pick up and audio guide and hear Sir Elton talk on the works that inspire him...
8) Tove Jansson - Dulwich Picture Gallery, 25 October 2017 - 28 January 2018
Known internationally as the creator of the Moomin characters and books, Tove Jansson is one of the most celebrated illustrators of the twentieth century. This exhibition is a chance to appreciate her wider outputs of graphic illustration and painting, which are relatively unseen outside her home country of Finland. This gallery will include over 150 works of art, and will reintroduce Jansson as an artist of exceptional breadth and talent.
9) Hella Jongerius: Breathing Colour - Design Museum, 28 June - 24 September
We're huge fans of colour in all it's forms here at EJS, so we can't wait for this installation-based exhibition. Hella Jongerius's work takes a deeper look into the way colour behaves, exploring shapes, materials, shadows and reflections. Through a series of phenomenological studies and experiences, the exhibition is set to make us question one of the most elemental aspects of design.
10) Jasper Johns - The Royal Academy, 23 September - 10 December 2017
Jasper Johns is regarded as one of the most important artists of the 20th century, and we couldn't agree more. His contemporary style of artwork has inspired and captivated audiences for decades, us included. The exhibition will bring together the artist’s paintings, sculptures, prints and drawings. From his innovations in sculpture to his use of collage in paintings, the exhibition will focus on different elements of Johns’ career.
So there you have it - our top ten must-see exhibitions of 2017. Of course, we are aiming to attend every single one, and we will be sure to write-up our EJS take on each! Check our 'Blog' regularly for our museum updates - but which exhibit takes your fancy?
