Alighiero Boetti, Accanto al Pantheon (1988)
Photo: courtesy Mazzoleni Gallery

It’s a chilly June Monday in London Town and although the sun is shining it somehow feels like autumn. If you’re looking for inspiration and some shelter from the showers then head to an exhibition—there’s plenty going on. We’ve picked our favorite exhibitions opening in London this week:

FRIDAY June 5

“Alighiero Boetti Order and Disorder” opens at Mazzoleni Art

This exhibition explores the life and work of key member of the Arte Povera (see An Introduction to Arte Povera) movement and conceptual artist Alighiero Boetti.

The gallery will not only exhibit paintings but also artifacts from the artist’s life selected by Rinaldo Rossi. His friend, collaborator, and long-time assistant has compiled a selection of postcards, drawing, unseen photographs, handwritten letters, and found objects.

The paintings exhibited will be a rare combination of works from throughout the painter’s life, some of which have never been exhibited before. In keeping with Arte Povera, Boetti used materials like biro, magazines, postage stamps, and embroidery thread.

Boetti was born in Turin in 1914 and rose to recognition working out of his hometown during the early 1960s alongside Mario Merz, Giulio Paolini, and Michelangelo Pisoletto.

“Alighiero Boetti Order and Disorder” will be on view at Mazzoleni Art  from June 5-July 31.

Duane Hanson, House Painter (1984-1988)
Photo: Rob McKeever © The Duane Hanson Estate, courtesy of The Duane Hanson Estate and Gagosian Gallery

TUESDAY June 2

“Lynette Yiagom-Boake: Verses After Dark” and “Duane Hanson” open at The Serpentine Gallery

The Serpentine Gallery has not only just unveiled the plans for its latest pavilion—a multi-colored effort by SelgasCano—but it also has two shows opening this week.

The exhibitions at the main and Sackler Galleries of British painter Lynette Yiadom-Boakye and hyper-real sculptor Duane Hanson are much-anticipated events in London, as is every opening at the Hans Ulrich Obrist and Julia Peyton-Jones run institution. Both exhibitions are worth a look, especially this being Duane Hanson’s first UK show since 1997.

Lynette Yiadom-Boakye: Verses After Dark and Duane Hanson will be on view at The Serpentine Gallery, June 2-September 13.

FRIDAY June 5

Richard Tuttle, “Separation” opens at Stuart Shave/Modern Art

This is American sculptor Richard Tuttle’s third solo show at Modern Art and, following his colorful installation in the Turbine Hall at Tate Modern and well-received solo show at the Whitechapel Gallery last year, you may have had your fill. If you are still keen for more Tuttle this show will satisfy your appetite as it includes four new bodies of work.

Separation is on view at Stuart Shave/Modern Art from 5-27 June

No License for Kiss FM, Written Word magazine (1989)
Photo: courtesy Gordon Mac and The ICA

NOW OPEN

“Shout Out! UK Pirate Radio in the 1980’s” at the Institute of Contemporary Arts, London

This exhibition explores the impact of the pirate radio movement in the 1980’s in the UK which was not only hugely popular at the time but had a huge impact on contemporary culture and the British music scene.

This exhibition documents this fascinating and impactful period of British social history. Most of the stations involved specialised in Jazz, Funk, Soul, and dance music like Garage and Jungle. Most of these genres became part of mainstream culture within the next five years despite the station having to fight the Thatcher administration for legitimacy.

Shout Out! UK Pirate Radio in the 1980’s in now on view at the Institute of Contemporary Arts, May 26–Jul 19.

Elisabeth Frink,Walking Man (Riace I) (1986)
Photo: courtesy of Beaux Arts

NOW OPEN

“Elizabeth Frink” opens at Beaux Arts 

Sculptor Elizabeth Frink, has a show of her trademark large figurative male sculptures alongside examples of her later work although the focus of the exhibition is her preoccupation with the male physical form.

Elizabeth Frink, who passed away in 1993, has gained much recognition since her death and this is a unique opportunity to see the chronological journey of her work.

Elizabeth Frink is on view at Beaux Arts May 21-June 20.