London Art

London is known for its galleries. Establishments from tate modern to the National Portrait Gallery house impressive collections and generally provide general admission at no cost. They additionally tend to put on shows that pique intellectual curiosity and stir cultural excitement. Many Londoners can flock to the new David Hockney or the recent Caravaggio exhibit quicker than they will to the cinema for an Oscar-nominated film. Throw in hordes of tourists from around the world, and suddenly these hallowed halls adorned in masterpieces become a packed frenzy on par with an amusement park. However quiet and tranquil gallery experiences can still be found in Britain’s capital city, so long as you know where to look.

Just down the road at the historic Selfridges outlet is a surreal, large-scale photograph exhibition on British “show birds” by Luke Stephenson. Enjoy the unconventional pictures while you shop and munch on delicious macaroons. Pop-up galleries and exhibitions like this one redefine our understanding of public areas, showing that anywhere can be a place to admire art. Keep a watch out for Deptford X, that runs each fall: It’s a fringe arts festival in southeast London that turns outlets all along the road into separate gallery rooms. Walk into a café and find a video art display or visit the park and find an outside installation. Professional Paintings