We look ahead at London art openings for January and select 10 must-see exhibitions. We hope you find it handy for planning ahead.
The Anti-Gallery Show @ Espacio Gallery (8-29 January)
This one is for people who really want to get stuck into art. A group of 35 artists takes over the gallery space and turns it into a demonstration site, an encounter space and an ideas laboratory. More than an exhibition, this aims to be an art festival open to everyone: there will be installations, performances, encounters and happenings. Full programme will be published on 2 January. Free entry
Renato Guttuso @ Estorick Collection (14 January-4 April)
Guttuso (1911-1987) was one of the foremost Italian painters of the 20th century. At a difficult time of Italian history, the artist rebelled against both the formalism of abstract painting and the naturalism advocated by Fascism's cultural circles. He played a key role in forging a style that went on to dominate Italian art through the immediate post-war years. £5/£3.50, ticket includes access to the permanent collection
Adventures of the Black Square @ Whitechapel Gallery (15 January-6 April)
What was the impact of Kazimir Malevich's black square on contemporary artists? After the Tate Modern retrospective, now it's the turn of Whitechapel Gallery. The gallery explores the artist's legacy displaying artworks by international artists who were inspired by the founder of Russian Suprematism. On display: Vladimir Tatlin, Piet Mndrian, Sophie Taeuber-Arp and many more. From £13.50
Mapping the City @ Somerset House (22 January-15 February)
Featuring over 50 artworks by internationally recognised artists, this exhibition is dedicated to street art and graffiti, and the way this kind of art shapes modern cities. On display there will be a series of maps created appositely by the artists, each of whom gives a personal interpretation of their beloved cities. Free entry
Rubens and His Legacy @ Royal Academy (24 January-10 April)
Royal Academy dedicates a retrospective to one of the biggest Old Masters. The exhibition displays main artworks produced by Rubens in his lifetime and explores the legacy of the painter, from Delacroix to Picasso. Definitely one to put in your calendar. £15, concessions available
Christian Marclay @ White Cube (28 January-12 April)
Bermondsey's White Cube dedicates a major solo exhibition to the artist, who will exhibit new paintings alongside works on paper and videos. The exhibition is accompanied by a rich programme of events, including live improvisation sessions and performances taking place every Saturday and Sunday afternoon for the duration of the show. We suggest you check the website for more information. Free entry
Mira Schendel @ Hauser & Wirth (28 January-7 March)
The gallery dedicates a retrospective to the Schendel who, during her life time, was one of the artists who introduced the Modernism school of art from Europe to South America. We admired her ethereal and fragile installations at the Tate Modern retrospective back in 2013. Free entry
Michael Kenna @ Beetles + Huxley (28 January-21 February)
One of the world's greatest living landscape photographers, Michael Kenna returns to London after a seven year long break. His photographs are usually taken in the mist, rain and snow and they're all in black and white. Free entry
Cross Section of a Revolution @ Lisson Gallery (30 January-7 March)
This group exhibition of international artists explores global themes of trade, trauma, religious belief systems and contested territories. The artists displayed express these concepts through a number of intersecting political practices, across photographic, sculptural, painterly and filmic media. Free entry
Cotton to Gold @ Two Temple Place (31 January-19 April)
Two Temple Place reveals the stunning collections held by the museums of Lancashire. On display, artworks and art treasures gathered by Lancashire magnates: expect rare Roman coins, priceless medieval manuscripts and even a Peruvian mummy. Free entry
Find more about what's on in London, visit Londonist's Museum & Galleries and Art & Photography pages.
