Diary of a London Art Critic: early July

A fortnight of art in London and beyond

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. Plus a bit of bonus content from my time in Provence.

Wednesday 3 July

My first day back from Provence had me donning my pink jumper and trainers and heading to the Barbie exhibition at Design Museum (until 23 February, ticketed) - pictured. It’s a fun exhibition and Barbie fans will love it, even if I thought it lacked a critical element that challenged how Barbie puts pressure on girls to obtain an impossible idealised figure - sure there are diverse Barbies but they’re all slim and have great hair. It would have benefited from the knowing style of the Barbie movie, recognising the brand’s shortcomings.

I then visited nearby Kelling Designs showing the work of Patricia Mitchell (visits by appointment) for a fascinating chat with the artist about how artists can work with interior design companies. It was a new world for me, I enjoyed learning about it and seeing her work.

Thursday 4 July

I started the day at Gazelli Art House whose exhibition ‘Montage’ (now closed) is a collection of works by female abstract expressionists. It’s a clever niche they’ve found and I’m guessing a more financially lucrative one than they’re other niche of virtual reality artworks.

It was a short stop before my in-conversation with Freya Tewelde for her one-day-only exhibition at Flowers Gallery - the two of us pictured above with her work. It’s a great initiative to have one-day shows for artists selected by more established ones, and it’s been going for 20 years. If you can join us, I’m in conversation with her again on Sunday 21 July, 11.30 am.

Below the paywall:

• Impressive and powerful exhibitions

• Art that’s the wrong side of kitsch

• Artists winning prizes

• Bonus content from Provence