The story goes that modernism ripped everything up and started again; and nowhere did more of that mid-century aesthetic shredding than Brazil. Helio Oiticica, Lygia Pape, Lygia Clark, Ivan Serpa et al forged a brand new path towards minimalism. But Raven Row’s incredible new show is challenging that oversimplified narrative, showing how figuration, traditional aesthetics and ritual symbolism were an integral part of experimental Brazilian art from 1950-1980. The whole thing’s great. It’s a gorgeous, in-depth, museum-quality exploration of creativity at its most fertile, modernism at its most exciting and abstraction at its most beautiful.
Give yourself a big pat on the back. The first day of spring arrives this week, so we can officially say we’ve made it through the Great Britsh winter. Phew. Celebrate by hitting up London’s new season of art, theatre and events or start preparing for Easter which is just around the corner.
There are some cultural treats in store this week, including Raven Row’s five-star art show ‘Some May Work As Symbols’, which according to Time Out’s art critic is a ‘gorgeous, in-depth, museum-quality’ exploration of mid-century Brazilian art.
There are also glittering Ramadan light displays to spot across the city, an inaugural literature festival at Ally Pally to visit with some wonderful speakers, beautiful ceramics markets to browse and a film fest dedicated to Italian cinema to get stuck into.
Still got gaps in your diary? Embrace the warmer days with a look at the best places to see spring flowers in London, or have a cosy time in one of London’s best pubs. If you’ve still got some space in your week, check out London’s best bars and restaurants, or take in one of these lesser-known London attractions.
RECOMMENDED: Listen and, most importantly, subscribe to Time Out’s brand new, weekly podcast ‘Love Thy Neighbourhood’ and hear famous Londoners show our editor Joe Mackertich around their favourite bits of the city.