Diary of a London Art Critic: London to Madrid and back again

Flamboyant costumes, giant dogs and whole load of exhibitions

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. I was in Madrid for a few days this fortnight so you’ll get my thoughts on London and Madrid’s art scene.

Saturday 15 February

Shorter than usual rounds this weekend, sticking to East London galleries.

Face to face with a Rebecca Stevenson work

Rebecca Stevenson is showing her latest works at James Freeman Gallery (until 8 March, free) and it comes hot on the heels of her residency at V&A. This selection of works in different mediums is a sublime tribute to the works of art history’s greats. Stevenson has recreated two giant heads made in Bronze in wax, normally a material that gets lost in the sculpting process, but here with a sense of permanence and fragility. Alongside works made in bronze, glass and her trademark wax this is a sculpting masterclass.

Victoria Miro is showing portraits by Alice Neel (until 8 March, free). I like Neel’s work and while there are some strong works here most are not a patch on those in her recent Barbican show.

I’ve known of Ruup & Form through art fairs for several years, but my first visit was to see the group show Subtle Connections (now closed). Of the artists on show, I was particularly drawn to Natascha Maksimovic's rolling landscapes.

My last stop took me out to Walthamstow to see Keepsakers at Three Rooms (now closed), curated by my fellow writer and friend Sophia Nowakowska - who possesses an excellent Instagram handle. I was there for a talk by all the artists and it provided a lot more insight into their practices and how they related to womanhood and motherhood, than if I had seen it ‘cold’. I enjoyed learning about their respective practices as all four artists were new to me.

Below the paywall:

• My mixed thoughts on The Face exhibition at National Portrait Gallery

• What’s happening in Madrid

• Tons more exhibitions and my thoughts on them, plus I dabble in contemporary dance