From Marina Abramović in Copenhagen to Landon Nordeman in New York
The Events Edit
Photo Basel, Switzerland: June 14 – 18, 2017
While Art Basel returns to its namesake Swiss town, the third edition of photography fair Photo Basel will also be taking place over four days in June. 34 galleries will take part this year, bringing together photography from across the world (this year’s global reach is larger than ever before), as well as film work which will be on show in tape/basel, a new section dedicated to the medium. Additionally, the not-for-profit section is a unique opportunity for emerging Swiss photographers to exhibit and features work by nominees of the Young Artist’s Prize for Photography. If you’re in Switzerland for Art Basel you’d be remiss not to spend some time at Photo Basel too. (Dare we say ‘two birds, one stone’?)
Free Range 2017 at Old Truman Brewery, London: June 15 – July 17, 2017
Split into four themes and spread over the same number of weeks, Free Range is well established in its championing of emerging talent in the fields of fine art, fashion, graphic design, photography, interior design and architecture through its free annual fair. Students and graduates from universities across the country are able to exhibit their work, and last year saw the FR Awards introduced, where prizes like funding and mentorship are awarded on a weekly basis over the course of the month. Past participants have gone on to exciting things in their chosen realms, including creating work for publications such as Dazed and The Sunday Times.
The New Season at Palais de Tokyo, Paris: June 14 – September 10, 2017
Palais de Tokyo’s new season begins this month with a veritable smorgasbord of exhibitions and installations that are bound to be delightful in their variety and eclecticism – traits that the Parisian museum has become renowned for. Dioramas, for example, is an exploration of the diorama’s place in art history and education, looking at the development and techniques behind the singular art form through works spanning numerous centuries and leading to an interrogation of illusion and representation, which will be on display alongside group exhibition The Dream of Forms and solo exhibits from artists Gareth Nyandoro, Taloi Havini and Hayoun Kwon.
Marguerite Summer Party at Rochelle School, London: June 29, 2017
Network for women in the arts Marguerite is holding a summer party consisting of cocktails and food aplenty in East London. Open to non-members as well as members, all proceeds from ticket sales (available to buy from today) will go to Women for Women International, a charity aimed at providing long-term, productive help to enable women in war-torn countries to survive and thrive. If that’s not enough to pique your interest, perhaps the fact that other upcoming Marguerite events will be hosted by such industry heavyweights as Mary McCartney, Julie Verhoeven and Roksanda Ilincic will draw you in.
Cultural Programme at The Chess Club, London: from June 14, 2017
We’ve previously detailed how enamoured we are by Mayfair members-only Chess Club, with its plush, nostalgic interiors and focus on the namesake game, and it’s set to get even better this month with the launch of its cultural programme. A book club on June 29, which promises “the ultimate book bucket list” with monthly discussions led by literary legends, while earlier on in the month one can take part in a supper club hosted by Ed Smith (June 19) or enjoy a rosé masterclass (June 14). Its weekly lessons from world chess champions will also continue. So what are you waiting for? Now’s the perfect time to become a member.
Taschen’s Warehouse Sale, London: June 22 – 25, 2017
It’s no secret that we love an archive sale, so the prospect of Taschen’s Warehouse Sale is a very exciting one. Taking place at the publishing powerhouse’s west London store, the sale boasts discounts of up to 75 per cent off titles from Taschen’s entire offering. What’s more, the publications on offer are not announced prior to the sale, meaning there are bound to be some treasures to be found in the realms of fashion, architecture, photography, art and design. Perhaps there’s a Taschen book you’ve long lusted after or you’re simply inclined towards a casual browse – either way, this is not to be missed.
Exhibitions
Grayson Perry: The Most Popular Art Exhibition Ever! at The Serpentine Gallery, London: June 8 – September 10, 2017
London’s Serpentine Gallery will host a solo exhibition of Grayson Perry’s work this summer. The boundary-pushing artist, whose artworks often double as pieces of social commentary, will exhibit the ceramics he has become known for, as well as prints, tapestries and work produced in cast iron and bronze. Perry aims to interrogate the position of contemporary art in today’s cultural landscape, asking questions like “What kind of art do people like?” and “Why do people like going to art galleries these days?”, and hoping to draw in audiences from society’s entire broad spectrum to render the exhibition truly worthy of its tongue-in-cheek title. Heading to Hyde Park for this show would make for a perfect pre- or post-vote activity on June 8.
Marina Abramović: The Cleaner at Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, Denmark: June 17 – October 22, 2017
If you’re travelling to Copenhagen this month, be sure to add celebrated performance artist Marina Abramović’s first European retrospective to your itinerary. 50 years worth of Abramović’s work will be shown through film and video installations, performance, photography and painting, so you can expect a look at the development of the artist’s practice and her trademark immersive, energy-based performance art, including the titular piece The Cleaner, a new collective performance.
Fahrelnissa Zeid at Tate Modern, London: June 13 – October 8, 2017
Turkish artist Fahrelnissa Zeid is perhaps best known for her vibrant, large scale abstract paintings, though she also worked in sculpture and collage to create her prismatic work. Tate Modern’s exhibition is the first major retrospective of Zeid’s work, and will showcase the myriad influences she made use of as she lived and travelled throughout Europe, America and the Middle East, resulting in paintings of wondrous depth.
Perfume: A Sensory Journey Through Contemporary Scent at Somerset House, London: June 21 – September 17, 2017
How exactly might one go about staging an exhibition about perfume? This is the latest task that Somerset House is undertaking with its “multi-sensory” exhibition and events programme, Perfume: A Journey Through Contemporary Scent. The show will focus on ten incredible scents and the creatives that made them, placing a firm emphasis on the artistry involved in perfumery. But it won’t be all sweetness and light: the perfumers taking centre stage are avant-gardes in the industry, those who push boundaries and shatter perceptions in olfaction, and who will detail their idiosyncratic processes and inspirations.
Summer Exhibition 2017 at the Royal Academy, London: June 13 – August 20, 2017
Now in its 249th year, the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition returns this month with its requisite selection of contemporary art by both emerging and established artists, offering a fascinating look at the working art world of today. The exhibition is open to all artists and, as ever, a vast amount of the work on show is for sale, meaning the exhibit attracts collectors and enthusiasts alike, who will all no doubt gather for the launch party on June 7. Expect art spanning all media and themes, by the likes of Gilbert & George, Eileen Cooper – who is also the Keeper of the Royal Academy, dealing directly with the current students – and Yinka Shonibare.
Landon Nordeman: First Look at Voltz Clarke Gallery, New York: until July 19, 2017
American photographer Landon Nordeman made his name photographing backstage at fashion shows in New York, Paris and Milan with his distinctive and vibrant style, often catching subjects unawares in moments of candour, having previously done the same at dog shows and political rallies across the US. Voltz Clarke’s exhibition will showcase Nordeman’s work from his unique position within the fashion industry, including shots from this year’s Met Gala and glimpses from backstage at Paris Fashion Week that offer a highly intriguing alternative viewpoint.
The Best in Food & Drink
Furanxo, Dalston: Open Now
If you’ve ever wished that your local deli would stay open into the evenings and offer up a beverage or two, then Dalston haunt Furanxo is for you. Shop by day and wine bar by night, Furanxo takes inspiration from the kinds of local businesses you come across in the South of Spain. In the balmy summer evenings we (hopefully) have ahead of us, charcuterie, cheese and other Spanish delicacies washed down with a glass of wine will be heavenly.
The Refectory and After Hours at Whitechapel Gallery: fortnightly
There’s something mischievous about being in an art gallery after hours, which is exactly the opportunity provided by the Whitechapel Gallery. Its café and wine bar, which serves up cheese and charcuterie to enjoy with a drink, are the work of the duo behind Soho favourite 10 Greek Street and East London-based 8 Hoxton Square, Luke Wilson and Cameron Emirali. Upcoming events include Regal Rogue Vermouth Tasting on June 2 and a Best of British evening on June 16, which showcases wines, cheeses and meats from across the UK.
Town Hall Presents: The Town Hall Classics: June 1 – 2, 8 – 9, 17 – 18, 2017
Is pairing a meal with a film the ultimate pared-back luxury? Bethnal Green hotel Town Hall certainly thinks so. The hotel is capitalising on its years spent as spent as a film set by staging movie screenings coupled with film-appropriate food and drink. First up is Guy Ritchie’s Lock, Stock & Two Smoking Barrels plus pie and mash (as is only right) and later in the month Atonement will be screened following a three course lunch in the hotel’s Bethnal Hall. Plus, signature cocktails designed for each movie by Peg + Patriot will be available to sip throughout the films.
Neo Bistro, Mayfair: opening June 6, 2017
Taking the modern French bistro style of dining and planting it firmly in London this month are Alex Harper and Mark Jarvis with Neo Bistro. Think specials written on a chalkboard, bar or banquette seating and relaxed dining on delicious food from a menu that will change regularly.
Mazi Mas Dinner at The Round Chapel, Hackney: June 27, 2017
Now in its fifth year, roaming restaurant and catering company Mazi Mas continues to inspire through its work with migrant and refugee women in London. 2017 saw the launch of its training programme, wherein women spend seven months in culinary and service training before taking on part-time employment. A three-course dinner in Hackney at the end of the month will celebrate the first group of women who have gone through the programme, whose home countries range from Iran to Costa Rica and South Sudan to Peru, and the menu of the evening draws on each woman’s cultural and family heritage.
The Best of Film
June is filled with filmic treats aplenty. Don’t miss After the Storm, Hirokazu Koreeda’s poignant drama about a private detective’s attempt to reconnect with his son and ex-wife, following the death of his father – a slow-burner that packs a powerful punch. Then there’s the heart-melting, stop-motion animation My Life as a Courgette from Swiss filmmaker Claude Barras – the moving story of a young orphan, sent to a children’s home after accidentally killing his mother, scripted by Céline Sciamma. We can’t wait for Hampstead – Joel Hopkins’ forthcoming drama following an American widow (Diane Keaton) who finds love in the form of Brendan Gleeson, a man living wild on Hampstead Heath.
For those in search of an impeccable, brilliantly funny action thriller, look no further than Edgar Wright’s Baby Driver, the story of a young getaway driver, whose skill relies on the personal soundtrack he plays to spur him on. Everything seems just peachy until he is roped into an ill-fated heist for a notorious crime boss (Kevin Spacey) and is forced to face the music. Last but not least, there’s Okja – the wonderfully Roald Dahlian drama from Korean director Bong Joon-ho, starring Tilda Swinton and Jake Gyllenhaal, which sees a young farm girl risk her life to save the vast super pig she grew up with. Meanwhile, this month’s must-sees in the documentary realm include Destination Unknown, detailing the extraordinary stories of 12 Holocaust survivors, The Seasons in Quincy: Four Portraits of John Berger – a series of four filmic essays dedicated to the great intellectual storyteller and the anticipated Whitney Houston doc, Whitney: Can I Be Me, Nick Broomfield’s compelling investigation into the rise and devastating fall of the late pop icon.
Great Performances
The new month brings with it a fantastic array of productions to suit all tastes. There’s the West End transfer of Daniel Kehlmann’s The Mentor, a brilliant satire detailing the meeting of two literary minds – one a curmudgeonly ageing author, the other a young dramatist. Jez Butterworth’s sellout play The Ferryman also hits the West End, fresh from its run at the Royal Court. Set during the Troubles in Northern Ireland, it sees a farking family’s annual harvest preparations interrupted by an unexpected visitor. Jazz fans book your tickets for Charlie Parker’s YARDBIRD, a musical detailing the lauded saxophonist’s creation of his final masterpiece. Finally dance-lovers, be sure to catch the Richard Alston Dance Company’s mesmerising triple bill at Sadler’s Wells featuring a brand new creation inspired by the richness and nobility of Henry Purcell’s Chaconne, and Britten’s tribute to it.
