The Royal Academy’s Exhibition 2024 prize winners, London

Posted: 17/07/2024

The Royal Academy of Arts’ Summer Exhibition is a unique celebration of contemporary art and architecture, providing a vital platform and support for the artistic community. Each year, the Royal Academy presents a number of prizes for outstanding works within the exhibition. This year proves to be no exception, with a remarkable slate of winners reflecting exceptional talent and creativity. The Charles Wollaston Award The prestigious £35,000 Charles Wollaston Award, one of the most significant art prizes in the country and now in its 26th year, is presented to the ‘most distinguished work’ in the exhibition. The 2024 award was judged by Stephen Farthing RA, Anna Moszynska, and Joana Neves. This year’s prize was awarded to Tracey Emin RA for her work Did it Ever Get Any Better (Cat. 399, Gallery III). The AXA Art Prize UK 2024 Awarded £10,000 for an outstanding work of figurative art, this prize honours exemplary talent in the depiction of the human figure. Judges Jennifer Schipf, Mark Hampson, and Gillian Wearing RA selected Wendy Freestone’s piece, IN THE QUIETEST MOMENTS (Cat. 2, Gallery I), as the winner. The Jack Goldhill Award for Sculpture Sculpture enthusiasts celebrate the £10,000 Jack Goldhill Award for Sculpture. This year, the judges Judy Goldhill, Tom Brent, Es Devlin, Georgia Kerr, Hew Locke RA, and Ina Sarikhani awarded the prize to Brigit Connolly for her work GIVE AND TAKE (Cat. 1581, Lecture Room). The British Institution Fund Award for Students Designed to promote excellence within student communities, The British Institution Fund Award offers £5,000 for… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, ART, ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, LONDON

Tags: Art blog, London art, London blog, London prize exhibition, Royal Academy London

4 reasons to get excited for ‘Frontiers: Choreographers of Canada’s at Sadler’s Wells

by James Banham

Updated: 14/04/2024

This exceptional triple bill showcases the extraordinary talents of three distinguished Canadian choreographers: Crystal Pite, Emma Portner, and James Kudelka, promising an unforgettable journey through the world of contemporary ballet.

Category: LIFESTYLE, ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, DANCE, FEATURES, LONDON

Tags: London blog, London theatre, Sadler's Wells what's on, Sadlers well, What's on London

Momentous moment in art at National Gallery London

by James Banham

Posted: 05/04/2024

In 2025, the art world will witness a remarkable event at the National Gallery as “Siena: The Rise of Painting 1300?1350” opens its doors in spring, marking the 200th anniversary of the institution. This exhibition promises an unprecedented reunion of paintings by some of the most celebrated Italian artists of the 14th century, artworks that have been scattered across the globe for centuries. Highlighting this unique collection are masterpieces in gold ground, many originally part of larger compositions, offering visitors an opportunity to experience the innovative spirit of Western painting tradition from this era. The spotlight of the exhibition is the coming together of several panels from the revolutionary double-sided altarpiece, the Maestà, painted by Duccio di Buoninsegna for the cathedral in Siena. Recognized as the first double-sided altarpiece in Western art, this narrative shift in art will be showcased along with other significant pieces from the ensemble. Notably, the National Gallery’s panels from the Maestà will be reunited with works like “Christ and the Woman of Samaria” from the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, Madrid, and “The Calling of the Apostles Peter and Andrew” from the National Gallery of Art, Washington DC. Another focal point is the reunion of the Orsini Polyptych by Simone Martini, a folding piece created for private devotion, likely for Cardinal Napoleone Orsini. Dispersed between prestigious institutions – the Louvre in Paris, the Royal Museum of Fine Arts in Antwerp, and the Gemäldegalerie in Berlin – the exhibition will bring together all six panels for a rare presentation. Besides these reunifications, the exhibition… Read More

Category: ART, ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, LIFESTYLE, LONDON

Tags: art, Art blog, Best galleries London, London art, London blog, national gallery, National Gallery London

Carmen is coming to Sadler’s Wells in London

Carlos Acostas Carmen Cristina Lanandez 5

by James Banham

Updated: 04/04/2024

In an event that harmoniously blends tradition with contemporary flair, Sadler’s Wells Theatre unfolds its red carpet for Acosta Danza, as they present the UK premiere of Carlos Acosta’s version of Carmen from the 2nd to the 6th of July, 2024. This adaptation by the dance legend Carlos Acosta gives a new lease of life to Georges Bizet’s opera, stirring the soul nearly two centuries after Prosper Mérimée penned the original story. Carlos Acosta himself steps onto the stage, not just as a creator but as a performer, embodying ‘The Bull’ – a symbol of fate and destiny. This role, specially crafted by Acosta, emerges from his deep-seated desire to encapsulate the essence of the narrative while marking his departure from the Royal Ballet. His rendition of Carmen holds onto the timeless and universal appeal of the tale yet introduces a fresh perspective by minimising the setting to its core elements. Joining forces with Acosta Danza are Principal dancers Laura Rodriguez, Enrique Corrales, and Alejandro Silva, alongside guest stars from the Birmingham Royal Ballet – Yaoqian Shang, Javier Rojas, and Lachlan Monaghan, who will portray Carmen, Don José, and Escamillo, respectively. This cast embodies the spirit of the characters they portray, bringing to life the tragic tale of love, passion, and jealousy. Carmen’s story has always captivated the imagination of many, attracting a variety of choreographers such as Marius Petipa and Roland Petit to its fiery core. The opera’s enchanting melodies like the ‘Toreador Song’ and ‘Habanera’ continue to resonate, underscoring the opera’s enduring popularity… Read More

Category: ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, DANCE, LIFESTYLE, LONDON, OPERA

Tags: carmen, Dance in London, London Arts blog, London blog, Sadler's Wells, Sadlers Wells London, See Carmen London

National Gallery London’s Summer on the Square

The National Gallery London from the front with umbrellas and tables spread out in Trafalgar Square

by James Banham

Updated: 23/07/2022

This summer from 11 29 August in the heart of London, the National Gallery will host a free festival of immersive art, creativity and community. Summer on the Square (Trafalgar, that is), is a festival that’s a re-working of the Gallery’s art collection – creating an entirely new participatory set of experiences and activities that play with scale, spectacle and sound. Come along to immerse yourself in a purpose-built arts studio; participate in practical and walk-in art and sound installations; as well as sketching, making, moving, and exploring The National Gallery’s collection. The sessions will be free, drop-in and open to all ages and abilities. During an unprecedented cost of living crisis, the National Gallery hopes the festival will be an opportunity for local and London-wide communities to enjoy art and celebrate their own creativity with friends and family – creating a space for wellbeing and joy in tough times. For the full program and timings, head to the Summer on the Square website

Category: ART, ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, FEATURES, LIFESTYLE, LONDON

Tags: london, London blog, london guide, National Gallery festival, National Gallery London's Summer on the Square, Summer on the Square, what to do london, What's on in London

Subtle way to give your home decor something special

by THE F

Posted: 01/08/2019

There are all kinds of things you can do to make your home decor look special – here, we’re going to focus on a few subtle changes you can make to give it that little extra ‘oomph’. The additions below aren’t all going to be immediately noticeable, but they will definitely change the vibe of the house overall. Take a look! Focus On Architectural Details Architectural details can make a huge difference to the look of your home. Details such as crown molding, wooden beams, hardwood floors, built-in bookshelves, and mosaic-tile backsplashes are all worth focusing on if you want to add a little something special. Do it one at a time and see how your home starts shaping up. You can go to acfloorsanding.com.au to get an idea of the sort of high quality flooring you should go for. It’s a good idea to splash out on the good stuff so that it lasts. Cheaper options won’t be as resistant to wear and use, so bear this in mind. 2. Add A Fireplace A fireplace will not be cheap or easy to add – this is why an electric fireplace might be better. Electric pieces take less effort to maintain, too. However, one of these can instantly make a room feel more cosy, whether you’re using it or not. It can also make a great statement piece. 3. Add A Simple Pop Of Colour A pop of colour is a really easy, quick, and simple way to give your home decor that little something… Read More

Category: INTERIORS, LIFESTYLE

Tags: Interiors blog, London blog, London interiors blog, Subtle way to give your home decor something special, THE F interiors, The F London

LONDON: Frantic Assembly celebrates turning 25 with a year of projects

by James Banham

Updated: 13/06/2019

They’ve just been announced as one of this year’s partners for the fifth running of the National Theatre’s River Stage, but that’s not all Frantic Assembly have up their sleeve in 2019. They’re a theatre company, known for their fearlessness and ambition; a set of skills that has them game enough to announce a years’ worth of work for them to look forward to. And that’s just the start. They’ve got a new website coming in July, heading theatre arena at Latitude Festival with a new show, Sometimes Thinking – celebration of the hours invested in daydreaming and fantasising about the people we could have been, the things we should have said, and who we might yet become – which will be performed at Latitude, 19-20 July. Not to mention, thought the full line up of what’s on offer for River Stage is yet to be announced, it’ll include a combo of works like Sometimes Thinking, the Frantic Megamix (a performance celebrating 25 years of Frantic Assembly) a movement demonstration from A Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Frantic Family workshops, a return of the Fatherland Chorus of Others and special performances from our Ignition Graduates such as DJ sets from Lewis Griffiths and Stefan Janik. Oh, and they’ve also formed a new creative think-tank, The Assembly, consisting of an evolving group of artists, creative practitioners and advisors invited by the Artistic Director, who will meet quarterly to discuss the vision and ambition of the company. For more on what’s to come from… Read More

Category: ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, LIFESTYLE, LONDON

Tags: Arts blog, Frantic Assembly, Frantic Assembly London, London arts, London Arts blog, London blog, London performing arts

From Sydney to London: Where to celebrate World Gin Day

by James Banham

Posted: 08/06/2019

Gin is as trendy as anything right now and its popularity definitely isn’t limited to Australia or the UK, but damn when it comes to celebrating it, both countries have it down-packed. Between Sydney and London, there’s enough on to keep your whistle whet, so head along and give any one of their gin concoctions a go. London If you’re not tracking down where’s good to do for a tipple of The Botanist gin, then you’re doing something wrong. Find out about their London-exclusive map to goodness they’ve created, here. They’ll also be mixing up drinks at Belgravia, Opium, The Blind Pig, The Shrub and Shutter, The Little Yellow Door, Le Pont de la Tour and Jin Bo Law Skybar for guests. Bluebird Chelsea are celebrating World Gin Day on the 8th June with a Fever-Tree Perfect Serves Menu. The Chelsea landmark have collaborated with Fever-Tree to create a menu with summery flavours and a quintessentially British garden on the sun-soaked terrace. The menu features an array of G&Ts including Perfectly Pink G&T made with Pink Pepper Ginand Aromatic Tonic garnished with lemon and lavender. Mr Fogg’s is putting on a gin spectacular for all to witness in the Parlour, as they attempt London’s first 4 metre gin pour, from the top windows of Mr Fogg’s Gin Parlour on Saturday 8 June. The Little Yellow Door is Notting Hill is throwing the ultimate house party, complete with a chlorophyll-based brunch cocktail. Called ‘The Hangover’, this body purifying breakfast tipple packs one hell of a punch with more health benefits than drinks can shake a stick at…. Read More

Category: CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, LONDON, SYDNEY

Tags: Best bars gin, gin, Gin Day, London blog, London food blog, London gin, Sydney blog, sydney food blog, sydney gin, world gin day

London’s National Theatre is back with River Stage for 5th year running

River Stage National Theatre people smiling

by James Banham

Updated: 08/06/2019

The free summer festival, hosted by the National Theatre on London’s thriving Southbank is back again. Complete with a full line-up of performances that span the gamut of drag, cabaret, acrobatics, singing and dancing, it’s an event, inclusive of all, that really puts the National Theatre and London arts on the map. The whole festival is about celebrating the best of British and International culture, drag artists and London’s green and blue spaces, including the River Thames. River Stage is on around the city, but has partnered with The Glory (gay bar 5-7 July), Shubbak Festival (Arabic entertainment spread, 12-14 July), National Park City Festival (19-21 July), Frantic Assembly (26-28 July) and the National Theatre itself (2-4 August). Subbak Festival Shubbak Festival will be bringing an international focus to the festival with Bricklab’s ‘Geographical Child’s Play’. Bricklab, the designers of the first Saudi pavilion at Venice Architecture Biennale have created a new pop-up sculpture especially for Shubbak: 22 brightly coloured units equalling in number the 22 states of the Arab League. National Park City Festival To celebrate London becoming the world’s first National Park City, the Mayor of London’s National Park City Festival features a huge array of acts to celebrate everything green and wild about the city, including family favourites The Gruffalo and living costumes walkabout, the Grass Men, plus two large-scale outdoor dance theatre spectacles: the Urban Astronaut and BLOCK, which explore themes of air pollution and the challenges of living in an urban jungle. Frantic Assembly Frantic Assembly are celebrating their 25 anniversary this year, will offer the chance for everyone… Read More

Category: ART, ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, LIFESTYLE, LONDON, MUSIC

Tags: London arts, London Arts blog, London blog, National Theatre, National Theatre River Stage, River Stage London, THE F arts

LONDON: Immigration and Modern Britain – The Kaleidoscope exhibition at Somerset House

by James Banham

Updated: 16/11/2022

There’s a new exhibition that puts Britain’s relationship with the rest of the world and its nationalities on the map, so to speak. It’s going down at Somerset House, right in the heart of London and it’s called Kaleidoscope; exploring the identity of immigration in modern Britain. The exhibition will contain stills and video, showcasing the works of ten photographers born or based in Britain, many with family origins abroad including Hong Kong, India, Jamaica and Russia. It’ll explore what it means and how it feels to live as an immigrant, or a descendent of immigrants, in Britain today. It all stems from personal experiences to evoke some sort of emotion in visitors to the exhibition and tell the story of a nation’s wide and varied multiculturalism. Think stories of the struggles of asylum seekers and stories of second and third generation immigrants in forms that are as moving as they are engaging, all presented in the striking environs of Somerset House. See the Kaleidoscope exhibition from 12 June to 8 September 2019 on Sat – Tues, 10.00 – 18.00, Wed – Fri, 11.00 – 20.00, except for 11 – 21 July and 8 – 21 August, when daily opening hours are 10.00 – 18.00. Get tickets from the Somerset House website.

Category: ART, ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, FEATURES, LIFESTYLE, LONDON

Tags: Art blog, Immigration, London art, London art blog, London art gallery, London blog, London blogger, Somerset House, Somerset House exhibition, Somerset House Kaleidoscope, Somerset House Kaleidoscope exhibition, Somerset House London, The F London, THE F London blog

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