Diary of a London Art Critic: Back into full flow

You'll need a breather after reading about this many exhibitions - so much to choose from.

In this post, I summarise every exhibition I’ve seen over the last few weeks, not just those I write about in other publications, and you get my honest thoughts on them.

Saturday 18 January

A mix of exhibitions in East London and Kingston today, including some shows that are part of Condo - an alternative model to art fairs where galleries from abroad take over London spaces.

Checking out Daniel Hosego’s exhibition

Two London galleries, Copperfield and Harlesden High Street, put on a viewing room at 96 Chalton Street to coincide with Condo's opening weekend (now closed). It had a great mix of artists including KV Duong and Larry Achampong, I was particularly drawn to Elsa James’ black text on a black background to highlight the impact of her dyslexia.

Next up was Daniel Hosego at James Freeman Gallery (until 8 February, free). It’s a brilliant collection of modern takes on the Old Masters, with a garden of digital delights featuring Bitcoin, a verified tick, and a slot machine. There’s political satire aplenty, Trump and Boris included, and so much detail in each work that you’ll discover new elements in each further look.

Nearby was An exhibition of small things with big ideas at White Conduit Projects (now closed), curated by fellow critic Paul Carey-Kent - an excellent selection of small-scale affordable works.

Emalin’s second gallery at The Clerk’s House is always worth visiting as it’s a beautiful building. Ozgur Kar’s video of fly sex is fun, if disturbing, though the paintings of ladders across the space are forgettable (until 22 March, free).

Another excellent space is Maureen Paley’s second gallery at Studio M. It’s hosting Air de Paris (until 15 February, free) but the combination of photography did little for me.

The highlight of the day was ‘Being John Smith’ at Kate MacGarry (until 15 February, free). The exhibition revolves around a 27-minute film about what it’s like to live with such a common name and it’s absolutely hilarious. The works is the space are just as playful and absurd with a set of coffee tables that use coffee table books as the tables.

I then cut across town to first see K-Women: Celebrating Korean Female Artists at Kingston Museum (until 8 March, free) - my first visit to the venue. It’s a great mix of emerging female Korean artists who make varied works.

I finished off the day by visiting Kate Howe’s immersive installation made from paper at Rupture Xibit (now closed). I loved her show at Orleans House Gallery and this was like a smaller version of that one.

Below the paywall:

• Dozens of exhibitions to choose from

• Major exhibitions on Soil, Brasil and Working Class artists

• My thoughts on London Art Fair

• A bay soaking in Bath’s cultural offerings