The St James’s Art and Design walk begins at the Academicians’ Room, the Royal Academy’s private members’ club. On view will be Benchmarks, a series of large-scale prints by Praemium Imperiale winner El Anatsui, and a unique metal tapestry work by the artist.
Discover modern art and design with Wallpaper* on one of three self-guided walks through St James’s on 19 and 21 October. The area abounds with institutions and galleries, with spaces by some of Britain’s finest architectural talents and collections of remarkable depth and variety – and with major autumn exhibitions in full swing, there is no better time to discover its treasures.
We have arranged exclusive access to the Academicians’ Room at the Royal Academy of Arts – a members-only space currently dedicated to a solo presentation by Ghanian artist El Anatsui, winner of this year’s Praemium Imperiale. Following a welcome drink and an introductory briefing by Wallpaper’s commissioning editor, participants will proceed down Duke Street, St James’s to:
Bernard Jacobson Gallery, featuring paintings, works on paper and sculptures by Henri Matisse, including a rare self-portrait, L’artiste et le modèle nu.
White Cube Mason’s Yard, shining the spotlight on the decline of the post-war American dream, including works by Jenny Holzer, Barbara Kruger and Robert Mapplethorpe.
Sims Reed Gallery, with original prints by the likes of Sol Lewitt, Richard Estes, Eduardo Paolozzi and Allen Jones.
Thomas Dane Gallery, displaying American photographer Catherine Opie’s portraits of fellow artist and friends including David Hockney and Isaac Julien.
David Gill Gallery, a group presentation of future design classics such as Anglo-Swedish duo Fredrikson Stallard’s iceberg-like Antarctica tables.
Alan Cristea Gallery, where artist Michael Craig-Martin is showing new work that celebrates modernist design and architecture.
We will conclude at the Institute of Contemporary Arts, where participants will be invited to another complimentary drink at its newly renovated bar.
The St James’s Art and Design walk is free of charge and open to the public – advance registration is required. Organised in association with St James’s. An interactive map with further details on each participating gallery will be published on Wallpaper.com on 10 October.
‘From the Vapor of Gasoline’ at White Cube Mason’s Yard is a group show on the decline of the post-war American dream, including Richard Prince’s Untitled (Girlfriend).
Sims Reed Gallery presents an exhibition of original prints by post-war and contemporary artists, including Richard Estes’ Holland Hotel
At Thomas Dane Gallery, photographer Catherine Opie is showing studio portraits of fellow artists, friends and creative luminaries including David Hockney
Michael Craig-Martin’s solo presentation, ‘Quotidian’, is at Alan Cristea Gallery. The artist’s new work celebrates modernist design and architecture, such as Frank Lloyd Wright’s Guggenheim Museum
INFORMATION
The walking tours will take place on 19 and 21 October, beginning at the Royal Academy of the Arts – register for the event here. For more information, visit the St James’s website
ADDRESS
The Royal Academy of Arts
Burlington House
London W1J 0BD
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